By Cameron Weston
POLICE have released information about speed camera locations across Victoria as part of a concerted effort to slow drivers down and reduce the road toll.
The decision to release the information also has a political edge.
Police Minister Tim Holding is under pressure from the opposition to release the data and defend claims the State Government is using speed cameras as a revenue raising tool and not a road safety measure.
Victoria Police assistant commissioner Noel Ashby said the decision to release the information was an attempt to save lives.
“On the one hand, this is about ensuring Victoria Police is open and transparent with the Victorian community, while on the other we are prepared to do whatever it takes to stop people killing themselves and others on the roads.
“If just one motorist logs on to the internet, takes a mental note of a speed camera location and makes the choice to slow down, that’s potentially one life saved,” Mr Ashby said.
The decision to reveal camera locations comes in the wake of data identifying the West Gate Freeway, particularly sections in Altona North and Laverton, as one of the worst speeding hot-spots in Melbourne.
Police statistics revealed that 20 people had been killed and 785 seriously injured on Geelong Rd over the last decade, and the West Gate Freeway was regularly the site of serious crashes, many of which were attributed to speeding.
Police also cracked down on drink drivers leaving the city via major roads during operation “Ring of Steel”.
Fifty-eight motorists were caught drink driving over a 10-hour period, a result, Police said, that confirmed there was “a serious drink-driving problem in the CBD”.
Victorian motorists can check out the locations of all speed cameras in the state at www.justice.vic.gov.au/speedcameras.
