Brisbane New Speed Cameras, lower tolerance level!!!!

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BRISBANE'S nine analog fixed speed cameras could switch to digital over the next year as five new cameras are brought online, potentially boosting State Government revenue from the devices.

If trials are successful, the new technology could see the "tolerance figure'' the legal margin for error applied when policing speed limits slashed to a much smaller margin.

The current figure, the difference between the speed limit and the detection trigger on cameras and hand-held radars, was established in 2008.

Brisbane's nine fixed "wet-film'' speed cameras brought in more than $8 million during the past financial year.

The city's busiest camera was at Main St, Kangaroo Point, where more than 19,000 motorists were caught speeding.

Fixed cameras generated a small portion of the $70 million raised by speeding offences last financial year, but that share is expected to grow as police boost their arsenal.



The analog speed cameras contain 30m of film and can take up to 800 frames before needing to be replenished, usually three times a week.

Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland research officer David Soole said digital technology could help reduce the state's road toll, which climbed to 118 at the weekend three more than this time last year.

In 1998, the year speed cameras were introduced in Queensland, the annual road toll stayed below 300 for the first time since 1955.

"Improved technology in speed cameras is just going to enhance an already effective approach to managing speed,'' Mr Soole said.

State Traffic Support Branch Inspector Allan Hales said digital cameras would mostly use infrared technology, similar to the eight fixed cameras used in the Clem7 tunnel since last year, instead of white flash.

Because the cameras don't emit a blinding flash, they can photograph the driver's face, often without them realising.

Insp Hales said the new technology would allow police to monitor cameras remotely and cut down on the cost of processing fixed-camera film.

A statement from Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson did not address whether the "tolerance level'' now applied would change with the imminent switch to new technology.

"We believe in the principle that every kilometre over the speed limit is a killer,'' it said.

But Police Minister Neil Roberts said: "The speed limit is the limit and if you are going to go over it, you'll be fined.''

I have nothing against revenue cameras, when used as intended. But, when its blatant revenue raising ,I do....this is blatant revenue raising.
Eg: why are the revenue cameras never on the uphill section of the Ipswich Motorway ? but ALWAYS on the downhill section, in Moorooka and Annerly ????????????