Lane Cove Tunnel's speed cameras capture "thousands"

[Dave_au]

It seems like the speed cameras were active nearly as soon as the tunnel opened. Worse still for those who frequently used the tunnel at night, the speed cameras were also adjusted for 40km/h work zones. Apparently some people have already received up to ten tickets for exceeding 30km/h in a 40 zone (the tunnel is usually 80km/h)

More here:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/...205218579.html

and at www.roadwatch.com.au

Originally Posted by SMH

Tunnel anger: lawyer plans suit

May 29, 2007 - 3:00PM




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• Drivers contest fines for speeding in tunnel

Sydney lawyer Dennis Miralis says he is planning to launch a class action against the Government and the RTA after thousands of motorists were fined for speeding in the Lane Cove Tunnel.

Some of the 10,000 motorists caught speeding in the tunnel during its first six weeks of operation have complained they were unaware the speed limit had been cut to 40kmh during late-night maintenance.

They said they did not notice warning signs or workmen and the first they knew of the lower limit was a letter informing them of a $590 fine and three-month licence suspension.

The normal speed limit in the tunnel is 80kmh.

Mr Miralis is calling for fined drivers to come forward.

He says the Government has failed to comply with variable speed limit regulations by not giving motorists advance warning of changing speeds in the tunnel.

Mr Miralis, who sued the Government over faulty speed cameras last year, says he is co-ordinating with speed camera website Roadwatch to compile a list of fined drivers.

NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal has refused to listen to commuter anger and will not review the fines.

Mr Roozendaal's tough stand comes even though the tunnel operator has also joined calls for a review.

But Mr Roozendaal said speeding was a serious issue and ruled out reviewing the fines, instead suggesting disgruntled motorists pursue their case through the local court system.

"There is no safe level of speeding and drivers need to take responsibility for their actions and slow down," Mr Roozendaal said.

"If a driver feels they have particular circumstances they can go to the local court and put their case to a magistrate but it is the responsibility of drives to observe the speed limits."

He said drivers could request from the Roads and Traffic Authority a photograph from inside the tunnel at the time of the offence to indicate whether the changed speed limits were obvious.

Ian Hunt, the chief executive of the tunnel's operator Connector Motorways, said his company would also rexamine its design, signage and warnings to ensure motorists had ample warning of speed limits.

"Tunnel safety is our number one priority and we urge motorists to adhere to speed limits at all times," he said.

"It is nonetheless important that motorists have confidence that speed infringement systems are operating correctly. Those drivers who are genuinely speeding should be penalised."

AAP, Alexandra Smith and Jordan Baker