South Eastern Freeway fine bill hits $3.3 million in just 61 days
Controversial cameras that were supposed to slow trucks and buses are also catching ordinary motorists. But while the radar rakes in millions, motorists have been told they don’t have to cop the fines lying down.
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Police issued more than $3.3 million worth of fines in two months as part of a crack down on speeding bus and truck drivers on a notorious stretch of freeway, new data shows.
The plethora of fines — and a growing number of motorists disputing them — has prompted an Upper House MP to draft legislation to repeal what he has described as a “controversial and harsh law”.
New rules were introduced in May to stop speeding buses and trucks on the South Eastern Freeway.
The fines relate to the danger stretch of the South Eastern Freeway from Crafers into the city.
The Sunday Mail last week revealed lawyers had been contacted by more than 100 angry motorists — including one facing an 18-year licence suspension — believing they had been unfairly penalised.
The tourism industry also described the laws as heavy handed.
One small tourism operator faced a $25,000 fine if he did not dob in his driver, who was caught speeding.
The driver, who faced an automatic six month licence suspension believed the bus he was driving did not count because of its size.
Sunday Mail analysis of speeding fines between May and June 30 show that 267 fines had been issued — averaging a rate of about four per day.
Of those 122 fines have been sent to companies who face a $26,000 fine unless they name their driver.
The figures have prompted a promise from SA Best Upper House MP Frank Pangallo to attempt a repeal of the laws when parliament returns next week.
Mr Pangallo’s proposed legislation would changes the laws so that they
ONLY apply to vehicles over 8 GVM (gross vehicle mass) and buses with more than 13 seats
AUTOMATIC license disqualification would not apply for a first offence
FOR drivers that elect to be prosecuted, the loss of licence penalty does not double for a second, or further offences.
“I strongly urge (Infrastructure) Minister Stefan Knoll to suspend any existing infringements for vehicles under eight tons or for buses fewer than 13 seats until this confusing mess is cleaned up,” Mr Pangallo said.
Mr Knoll’s has consistently said the intention of the laws was to help save lives.
“The laws were recommended by the Coroner after horrific incidents in which out-of-control heavy vehicles claimed innocent lives,” he told the Sunday Mail.
“We make no apologies for adopting the Coroner’s recommendations that will help make our roads safer and, hopefully, help prevent another tragic accident at the bottom the South Eastern Freeway.”
He said the State Government wrote to every single owner of a heavy vehicle, weighing 4.5 tonne and more, to which the laws applies back in March, almost two months ahead of the charges, to inform them.
A Department spokesman listed 12 national and local stakeholder and industry groups that were informed about the law changes and encouraged to inform members.
But Mr Pangallo said unsuspecting drivers of smaller vehicles like buses with as few as nine seats and who hold regular licenses are instantly losing their licence for merely changing lanes or going slightly over the speed limit.
“Hundreds of these minibuses with tourists use the freeway each week to visit the attractions in the Adelaide Hills.”
Truck and bus drivers caught exceeding the 60km/h speed limit on the downtrack from Crafers to the intersection of Portrush, Cross and Glen Osmond roads face fines of $1036 plus six demerit points and an automatic six-month licence disqualification for a first offence.
If drivers elect to go to court and are convicted in court, the licence disqualification is 12 months.
