Q Police Union Slams the 3 New Covert Revenue Cameras.

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Covert speed cameras 'a cash grab'

Kay Dibben From: The Sunday Mail (Qld) October 30, 2010 12:39PM



THE Queensland Police Union has slammed the introduction of three new covert police camera vehicles as ``a flash for cash'' and called instead for more police out on the roads.

Police Minister Neil Robert today announced that three additional covert speed cameras were being deployed on roads in southern, north coast and south-east police regions this weekend.

There are now seven covert speed camera vehicles around the state, and more will be rolled out in coming months.

The union says one is expected to be in central region, around Rockhampton.

``There is clear evidence which shows that increasing the chance and uncertainty of detection is a powerful motivator in changing people's driving habits,'' Mr Roberts said.

In December, the government decided that up to 30 per cent of mobile speed camera enforcement would be undertaken covertly, using a variety of vehicles and with no advance warning or departure signs at the camera sites.

``Motorists will need to ensure they are travelling at or below the signed speed limit because there's a chance an inconspicuous vehicle parked on the side of the road is fitted with a speed camera.''

But QPU president Ian Leavers, a former traffic officer, said the covert speed cameras were just a revenue raising measure.

``This is just a flash for cash,'' Mr Leavers said.

``If they are serious on road safety, we will have more police, high visibility policing and that will reduce road trauma and the road toll.

``I have no isssue with marked speed cameras because they can be seen and the public are aware of them.

``But a covert speed camera is nothing short of the government trying to raise revenue.''

Mr Leavers said the use by police of a variety of vehicles with covert cameras was just to trick people.

``I'm a former speed camera operator in a marked speed camera vehicle,'' Mr Leavers said.

``They do have an effect. People know it's a police vehicle. They work and they are effective.''

He said more police on the roads not only would reduce the road toll, but they also would reduce overall crime and people would feel safer.

Mr Leavers also called for the government to provide police with a helicopter, after a three-hour high speed chase of an alleged offender on the Gold Coast on Friday.

He said police should not have to rely on getting information from media in helicopters.

Mr Leavers said a helicopter could help save lives, by providing an ``eye in the sky'' even after police pursuits were called off.

MMMM who do I believe ? Mr Roberts or Mr Leaver ?? Mr Leaver ,of course.
I also support the use of speed cameras, IF they are used as intended. NOT how they are used at the moment. Blatant revenue raising. No Government spin doctoring will convince me otherwise...