Speedsters caught in Clem7 tunnel but confusion reigns over cameras

csv8 · 27-03-2010, 10:12 AM

Speedsters caught in Clem7 tunnel but confusion reigns over cameras

* by Robyn Ironside
* From: The Courier-Mail
* March 26, 2010 8:38PM

MOTORISTS have been clocked travelling at 50km/h over the speed limit in the Clem7 tunnel.

At least two leadfoot drivers have been nabbed doing 120km/h and 130km/h respectively since the $3 billion tunnel opened. The motorists were caught by speed cameras and will be fined, but confusion remains about the working capacity of the cameras.

Despite signage indicating they are in full operation, four sets of fixed speed cameras lining the 6.8km route are still undergoing testing.

Police said the cameras were still being tested to ensure "their effectiveness before coming totally online".

"In the meantime other enforcement methods, including mobile patrols of the tunnel by marked and unmarked police vehicles, continue to ensure safe driver behaviour," a spokeswoman said.

Queensland Transport's website suggests trials of the fixed speed cameras are scheduled to continue until May.

The Courier-Mail understands the cameras are recording the speeds of any cars travelling over the limit and can be used to charge drivers caught at excessive rates.

But motoring groups claimed drivers were being misled.

National Motorists Association of Australia spokesman Michael Lane said drivers were being "bluffed" into thinking the cameras were fully operational.

"It's not particularly fair but speed cameras aren't either," Mr Lane said.

He said it was often the case that speed cameras were for show rather than law enforcement.

"We often hear about authorities declaring war on speed and we all know the first casualty of war is the truth."

A tunnel spokesman said yesterday police had told them the cameras came online when the tunnel opened on March 15.

A spokesman for Lord Mayor Campbell Newman also admitted he was of the belief the speed cameras would be snapping leadfoot drivers from the outset.

The RACQ's Gary Fites said it was important to get the cameras fully operational as soon as possible.

"Any other enforcement is impractical if not impossible in the tunnel," Mr Fites said.

"They really do need to get the cameras up and running as soon as is reasonable."

My comment ..This again proves that the cameras just revenue raisers. Not fully operational, but you can still be fined !!!!!!!!

gtxb67 · 27-03-2010, 10:32 AM

what is the problem - so what if the public think they are fully operational when they are not
so what if they are only operational for 5 minutes a day
as along as they are accurate when someone gets fined, then what is the problem

if they were wholely for revenue then they would be fully operational at all times wouldn't they

flappist · 27-03-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtxb67

what is the problem - so what if the public think they are fully operational when they are not
so what if they are only operational for 5 minutes a day
as along as they are accurate when someone gets fined, then what is the problem

if they were wholely for revenue then they would be fully operational at all times wouldn't they

Why are they are not fully operational?

Are they inaccurate?

Do they have the odd software glitch?

Do they occasionally read really high (like the ones PROVEN to do so in Victoria) and create false records of, say, 50km/h over the speed limit instead of 50km/h under?

Unfortunately it seems the flood of Victorians moving to Queensland has brought more than just a caravan and AFL fixation.....

gtxb67 · 27-03-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Why are they are not fully operational?

Are they inaccurate?

Do they have the odd software glitch?

Do they occasionally read really high (like the ones PROVEN to do so in Victoria) and create false records of, say, 50km/h over the speed limit instead of 50km/h under?

i do not know why they are switched off - but as long as they are accurate when operational, then i do not see the problem
whether i agree with them or not is irrelevant - it seems we all complain they are for revenue only (and there are many good points to suggest that), but if they are switched off or there just for show, then it is insinuated that they are for revenue - yet when they are off they cannot be gaining revenue at all
we cannot have it both ways - suggesting they are for revenue when both switched on and switched off seems a contradiction to me

YOOT · 27-03-2010, 10:49 AM

Questions, questions, questions. We will never know the answers.

I got nabbed yesterday in my Navara by a mobile unit. First time in 10 years. Stupid thing was I knew it was there because I passed it on the other side of the highway (it was taking photos in both directions). On the way out of Brisbane it was 100kmh and I went past at 95kmh. On the way home the other side of the highway is 80!! I was still doing 95 (thought I was doing the right thing) and flash. Doh! 20m behind the bloody thing was a 100kmh sign. I was still in the wrong but what a trick!

Anyway, work will pay for it, but I still lose my points. I can live with that.

plumby · 27-03-2010, 01:29 PM

******** that not good. i went through last night i'm trying to find the cameras patently there are a few hidden ones? don't kno if tru will en-devour to find them. also keep an eye out goin through the new free flow toll gates they will be doin point to point cams on them as well!

snappy · 27-03-2010, 01:31 PM

National Motorists Association of Australia

How long have we had one of these

geckoGT · 27-03-2010, 07:34 PM

More quality journalism from the courier mail, they never have let the truth get in the way of a good story, why start now?

CFOUR · 27-03-2010, 08:02 PM

there's nothing like a v8 at full noise in a tunnel, they tend to bring out my led foot on the loud pedal. maybe i should get a fg f6 to dull the noise.

MO · 27-03-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snappy

National Motorists Association of Australia

How long have we had one of these

They probably meant the NRMA.

UNR8D · 27-03-2010, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOOT

Questions, questions, questions. We will never know the answers.

I got nabbed yesterday in my Navara by a mobile unit. First time in 10 years. Stupid thing was I knew it was there because I passed it on the other side of the highway (it was taking photos in both directions). On the way out of Brisbane it was 100kmh and I went past at 95kmh. On the way home the other side of the highway is 80!! I was still doing 95 (thought I was doing the right thing) and flash. Doh! 20m behind the bloody thing was a 100kmh sign. I was still in the wrong but what a trick!

Anyway, work will pay for it, but I still lose my points. I can live with that.

ahhh what?

they do have the capacity to do both sides of the motorway, but its usually kept to one side, but I'm 99% sure they cant have 2 speed limits set with 1 camera... i shall ask a member of traffic branch and get back to you on that thou.

UNR8D · 27-03-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Why are they are not fully operational?

Are they inaccurate?

Do they have the odd software glitch?

Do they occasionally read really high (like the ones PROVEN to do so in Victoria) and create false records of, say, 50km/h over the speed limit instead of 50km/h under?

Unfortunately it seems the flood of Victorians moving to Queensland has brought more than just a caravan and AFL fixation.....

pretty much word for word what I was going to say... you cant have them in TESTING but operational only when you see fit... how does that work?.

Mr Hardware · 27-03-2010, 10:01 PM

National Motorists Association Australia

last fairlane · 27-03-2010, 11:03 PM

I went through the tunnel today in a truck from Ipswich rd end
and it seems to be down hill all the way as I had to keep touching the
brake pedal as the Jake is frowned upon in tunnels
also its bloody hot in there was told it was 41 degrees
also the worst thing is the break down lane
has anyone noticed it its only 1 metre wide
how the hell are you going to come to a safe stop
alright if you are on a motor bike
also heard that its gonner cost $11 for a truck yeah right
thanks john

**GasoLane** · 27-03-2010, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

They probably meant the NRMA.

It seems there is such an 'organisation' MO... http://www.aussiemotorists.com/index.php

According to their site they've been around since 1998 but their contact details page is blank. The rest of the site looks and reads like something from a bunch a high schoolers.

I especially like the FAQ page

:

MO · 28-03-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

It seems there is such an 'organisation' MO... http://www.aussiemotorists.com/index.php

According to their site they've been around since 1998 but their contact details page is blank. The rest of the site looks and reads like something from a bunch a high schoolers.

I especially like the FAQ page

:

Interesting,I'm going to have a good look at this one. FAQs must brush up my latin. Its all a bit sus.

**GasoLane** · 28-03-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO

Interesting,I'm going to have a good look at this one. FAQs must brush up my latin. Its all a bit sus.

Print it out and take it to your local Priest?

Falcon_Crazy · 28-03-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YOOT

Questions, questions, questions. We will never know the answers.

I got nabbed yesterday in my Navara by a mobile unit. First time in 10 years. Stupid thing was I knew it was there because I passed it on the other side of the highway (it was taking photos in both directions). On the way out of Brisbane it was 100kmh and I went past at 95kmh. On the way home the other side of the highway is 80!! I was still doing 95 (thought I was doing the right thing) and flash. Doh! 20m behind the bloody thing was a 100kmh sign. I was still in the wrong but what a trick!

Anyway, work will pay for it, but I still lose my points. I can live with that.

10 years and circumstanes, write a letter and seek warning