Controversial ‘cash cow’ cameras to get the chop and be replaced by a dozen new fixed speed traps

A controversial roadside speed trap — consistently dubbed a “cash cow” and “revenue raiser” — is to be demolished in reaction to a review of the state’s speed camera network.

A controversial roadside speed trap — consistently dubbed a “cash cow” and “revenue raiser” — is to be demolished in reaction to a review of the state’s speed camera network.

The speed camera, under the Bakewell Underpass on the CBD’s outskirts, was the first so-called “mid-block” fixed camera to be installed between intersections in 2011.

Police Minister Corey Wingard said the underpass camera and another on Frederick Rd at West Lakes would be dismantled as another 12 sites were earmarked to receive permanent cameras.

The State Government’s decision to scrap the lucrative but unpopular Bakewell Underpass camera was part of its response to an independent audit ordered by Premier Steven Marshall after his March 2018 election win.

The underpass camera reaped more than $1 million in fines in its first year and in 2016 nabbed 2637 speeding drivers and fines worth $910,000.

26.11.2015. Sunday Mail Survey. Morning traffic on Henley Beach Road, Mile End near the Bakewell underpass. Photo Sam Wundke

Mr Wingard said he accepted the independent audit’s recommendation that police and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure review their methods for selecting camera locations.

“Areas that have high crash history or are of high risk because they may be located near schools or pedestrian crossings … may be eligible for a camera,” Mr Wingard said.

The department is currently testing a new website dedicated to speed cameras and management of road safety.

Mr Wingard said the website was scheduled to be running by next month and would provide motorists with more transparency and understanding of decisions.

“This website will inform South Australians where cameras are located and why, When new cameras go up data will be released that illustrates the rationale of why those sites were selected,” he said.

Mr Wingard said he would also lobby Treasurer Rob Lucas for funding to erect bigger warning signs on the approach to fixed cameras.

“Making warning signs more visible and simpler by changing the wording from safety cameras to speed and red-light cameras will make drivers more aware of cameras ahead and hopefully result in them slowing down in risky areas,” he said.

The report showed there had been a 21 per cent reduction in crashes at intersections where cameras had been installed, compared to a seven per cent reduction at crossings with no camera.

It also recommended the department had “adopted a relatively complex” selection process but had no “documented process to determine which sites should be considered”.

“This raises the question of whether more risky sites are being overlooked through a lack of a rigorous top-down approach,” the report says.

In 2017, former Road Safety Minister Peter Malinauskas said the Bakewell underpass and other mid-block cameras had been “highly effective”.

Mr Malinauskas said there had been five casualty crashes near the underpass in the five years before it was installed but none since.

RAA traffic engineer Matthew Vertudaches welcomed the decision to scrap the two cameras, which he said had been the source of “countless complaints” from motorists.

“The RAA has long argued that the focus of the state’s camera network must be enhancing road safety, not raising revenue,” Mr Vertudaches said.

“New cameras around school crossings are an important step forward in road safety and will protect children, who are some of the most vulnerable and unpredictable pedestrians.”

Mr Vertudaches said the review was a step towards “keeping South Australians safe, rather than hurting their hip pockets”.

CAMERAS REMOVED

Glover Ave, Adelaide (Bakewell Bridge underpass)

Frederick Rd, West Lakes

RELOCATED TO...

Main North Rd/Kings Rd, Salisbury East

Hampstead Rd/Folland Ave, Northfield

10 NEW FIXED CAMERAS

INTERSECTIONS

Maxwell Rd/Main North Rd, Parafield

Main North Rd/Tolmer Rd, Elizabeth Park

Tapleys Hill Rd/Old Port Rd, Royal Park

Ifould Rd/Main North Rd, Elizabeth Park

Unley Rd/Greenhill Rd, Adelaide

SCHOOL CROSSINGS

Grange Rd, West Hindmarsh – St Joseph’s School

Marion Rd, Park Holme – Ascot Park Primary School

Brighton Rd, Somerton Park – Sacred Heart College

Ascot Ave, Vale Park – Vale Park Primary School

Goodwood Rd, Pasadena – Springbank Secondary College