Probe begins into road safety cameras at Main St, Lilydale

THE controversial road safety cameras at Lilydale may be under investigation but police still have the green light to allow them to continue operating.

A new speed and red light camera will become operational at the traffic light pedestrian crossing in Main Street, Lilydale, outside the Lilydale Railway Station entrance. Picture by Steve Tanner.

AN INDEPENDENT investigation has been launched into the accuracy of the Lilydale Main St speed and red-light cameras after widespread community anger and suspicions they are not working properly.

Road Safety Camera Commissioner Gordon Lewis is leading the investigation that will examine in detail data recorded by the two cameras as well as images related to infringements.

Mr Lewis’ interest was sparked after readers of the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader questioned the accuracy of the Main St speed and red light cameras

Mr Lewis operates independently of Victoria Police and the Justice Department and he does not have the authority to turn off the cameras. Residents will continue to be photographed and possibly fined.

SHOULD MOTORISTS BE FINED WHILE THE CAMERAS ARE INVESTIGATED? TELL US BELOW

Mr Lewis was unable to confirm when the investigation will be completed but said it was in response to complaints he had received about the cameras.

A whopping 2482 fines were issued in the first 18 days of the cameras’ operation in March, pouring more than $500,000 into State Government coffers.

Residents have labelled the cameras a “flash for cash”, with many questioning whether they were working properly.

Mooroolbark resident Caroline Dunzinger said the investigation was “a positive move” and was glad the community’s concerns were being heard.

Ms Dunzinger believed something was wrong with the cameras because they flashed at stationary cars.

Healesville resident Jenny Mills is contesting a $180 fine she received at the crossing on May 11, when she was clocked going less than 10km/h over the speed limit.

Ms Mills also believes the cameras are faulty and is awaiting a court date to fight the fine.

Police Minister Kim Wells said the purpose of the commissioner’s role was to act as a watchdog for the road safety camera system.

“As he is looking at the Lilydale cameras following issues raised by local residents it would be inappropriate to comment any further,” Mr Wells said.

“However, I am 100 per cent confident in the road safety camera system in Victoria, which was deemed first-class by the Road Safety Camera Commissioner in his most recent annual report.”

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