Speed camera system to be overhauled by independent umpire

AN independent umpire will review SA’s speed camera system, as Labor promises more ‘kiss-and-drop’ safety zones would be set up at dozens of schools.

SPEED and red-light cameras will be reviewed by the Motor Accident Commission to ensure they are used properly.

The State Government has announced the move as part of its 2018-19 road safety action plan to be launched Thursday.

And, if re-elected, Labor has vowed to fund “kiss and drop” zones, provide a new phone app to “dob in a hoon” and educate all primary school students about road safety.

Road Safety Minister Chris Picton told The Advertiser the Motor Accident Commission would continually investigate how speed and red-light cameras were operating.

The MAC will review speed and red-light cameras in SA.

“(The commission) will independently undertake reviews of South Australia’s safety camera network and provide transparent reporting to the community on the findings,’’ he said.

The RAA has endorsed the move. Surveys of its 600,000 motorist members have consistently shown about two-thirds of drivers support action to rein in the traffic camera system, which has been accused of being manipulated and primarily aimed at revenue raising.

“We’d expect the Motor Accident Commission will evaluate the SA safety camera network, including speed and red-light cameras, and publish an annual report on its operation, including recommendations on how to improve their impact on road safety,’’ said RAA engagement and innovation general manager Penny Gale.

“We have long called for greater transparency and scrutiny of the operation of the safety camera network.

“As MAC undertake this role, we look forward to working with them to give South Australians confidence that the camera network is there to improve road safety, not raise revenue.’’

While the new role for the Motor Accident Commission to oversee the traffic camera network is effective immediately, school safety funding is an election promise that will begin if Labor is victorious at the polls.

Mr Picton said $8 million would be allocated to schools over four years for initiatives including two-minute “kiss and drop” zones to ensure the safety of children.

Mr Picton said school safety was an ongoing priority for the State Government. The RAA’s street smart primary education campaign, available in only 130 schools currently, would also be extended with $1.6 million over four years for all government and private primary schools.

Ms Gale welcomed the funding for the scheme, which currently operates on only $120,000 each year from the RAA and MAC.

“Ever since the program was launched in 2014, demand for these lessons has grown year-on-year as more teachers discover the street smart primary program,’’ she said

“We feel this is a small price to pay for a program that does such tremendous good.’’

Mr Picton could not say how many “kiss and drop” zones would be funded under the $8 million scheme because schools would have to apply for what funding they required depending on site needs.

“Schools and communities will be able to nominate areas around their schools to be made safer with road infrastructure improvements,’’ he said.

“Labor believes that education plays a key role in improving road safety, alongside investment in infrastructure and strong enforcement.

“The funding will enable all primary schools to offer important road safety education to students from reception to Year 7.’’

Mr Picton said the ‘dob in a hoon’ app would be based on the Government’s ‘dob in a litterer’ app. It would boost 2010 legislation, which gave the police the power to immediately seize and impound vehicles.

Kiss and Drop

First schools selected for the $8 million expansion of the road safety scheme.

Klemzig Primary

Playford Primary/Catherine McAuley Primary shared campus

Woodcroft Primary

Highbury Primary

Thorndon Park Primary