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This audit examined whether the road safety
camera program is effective. It assessed whether:
- there is a sound rationale for the
program
- cameras are sited for road safety
outcomes
- the camera system is accurate
- infringements issued from the system are
valid
- public communications about the program
are effective.
The road safety camera program is
effective. It is well-supported by evidence that clearly
demonstrates that cameras improve road safety and reduce road
trauma. Siting of cameras is based on road safety outcomes, not to
raise revenue. To enhance the program, aspects of it could be
further evaluated, including the effectiveness of fixed and
point-to-point cameras, and whether the current approach for
deploying mobile cameras is optimising outcomes.
The processes and controls over the camera
system provide a high level of confidence in the reliability and
accuracy of the system in measuring speed and detecting red-light
running. Greater assurance about the accuracy of mobile cameras
could be gained through independent testing under actual
conditions. Police discretionary enforcement thresholds and other
features of the program provide a high level of confidence that
infringements are valid.
Despite the strong rationale for the program and the high level
of integrity of its systems, public concern about the program
persists. This has placed the its ongoing legitimacy at risk.
During the audit, the Department of Justice developed a
communication strategy to address these concerns. The Department of
Justice will evaluate this to determine whether it has been
effective in aligning public understanding with the evidence
supporting the program and its road safety benefits.
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