Furious drivers to win reprieve after being snapped speeding in Beaufort bushfire zone

Dozens of drivers were captured speeding while fleeing Victoria’s bushfires this month when an emergency “leave now” alert was in place.

More than 30 drivers fleeing bushfires were caught speeding after a camera was left operating in an emergency zone in the state’s west.

The Herald Sun has confirmed police will review 31 offences recorded in Beaufort on February 13 – when an emergency “leave now” alert was in place – and all tickets are likely to be scrapped from the record.

It comes after frustrated members of the public complained about the mobile camera set up on High St during the disaster event, saying it added extra stress for locals.

Ron, a resident of Beaufort, said: “When everyone was trying to get out of the place or running around trying to look after their houses … and everything else that was going on, they had a mobile speed camera, at one stage, at either end of the town.”

More than 30 speeding fines were dished out to drivers in the Beaufort area. Picture: Ian Currie

After inquiries by the Herald Sun, Victoria Police confirmed one mobile camera was operating in Beaufort, and it would strike out ­unfair offences.

“Victoria Police has a precedent of not issuing fines of this nature during natural disasters when justified,” a spokesman said.

“While we will review any offences, it is unlikely any fines will be issued at this location on this day.

“There was a total 31 detections, none of which has been processed.”

Victoria Police confirmed one mobile camera was operating in Beaufort. Picture: David Crosling

It is understood that speeding tickets may be still actioned if the speeding was not justified, such as a drivers hitting extreme, unjustified speeds.

Victoria’s mobile speed cameras are operated by private operator Serco in locations chosen in advance by Victoria Police.

Opposition police spokesman Brad Battin questioned why the camera was being ­operated in a fire danger zone on the day.

“At a time during an emergency when communities are focused on evacuating and protecting their families, it is difficult to believe anyone thought it would be good idea to have a speed camera ready to fine people as they were forced to leave,” he said.

“The government must review the policies that allowed a speed camera to be set up during an emergency to ensure this doesn’t happen again in the future.” The camera had been stationed in Beaufort – about 40km northwest of Ballarat – in the week leading up to the warnings. The camera was also active days after the alerts had been removed. Tickets issued on these days, will not be ­included in the amnesty.

The event was the first day of fire danger declared this summer.