Page 4311 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 22 September 2010
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MR STANHOPE: I understand that there is a reference group that has been formed by the Department of Territory and Municipal Services in relation to the detailed investigation that has been undertaken in relation to point-to-point cameras and that the NRMA—indeed, Mr Evans—is a member of the reference group that has been employed throughout this entire undertaking. The advice that I have received is that Mr Evans has not objected to the proposal.
Mr Evans today has reflected, I think, a view which he often expresses that he personally believes that the most successful speed initiative, possibility or proposal is more police on the roads. I go back to the point that it is also a very expensive option. But we as a government have invested heavily in ACT Policing. We have increased the number of police available to enforce the law, including traffic matters, by over 100—by over 100 officers in our time in government. We have invested heavily.
I understand it is his view, and he expresses it often, that he believes that the best anti-speed initiative or option is presented by more police and greater police visibility. We have sought to respond to that. The minister for police informs me that we have appointed an additional 127 police since coming to government to deal with those sorts of issues. I also believe that we have to engage with the newest technology, speed cameras and point-to-point cameras, but there is a suite of measures we can use. Mr Evans has been consulted at every step of the way and is broadly supportive of the initiatives we are pursuing, but he does have a first and preferred option; I acknowledge that. He understands my position and I understand his.
MS PORTER: A supplementary, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Porter.
MS PORTER: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, how do point-to-point cameras fit into the government’s “vision zero” approach to road safety?
MR STANHOPE: I thank Ms Porter. I think the point-to-point cameras fit very well within the philosophy that underpins “vision zero”, an approach to road safety which we are seeking to introduce into the ACT. It is an aspirational strategy. It is a strategy that is based on a philosophy that no-one be killed or seriously injured on our roads. But it is a philosophy that requires, obviously, each of us to accept our personal responsibility in the role that we can take individually in ensuring that we do nothing as road users that would endanger ourselves or anyone else.
Point-to-point cameras, I think, are fundamental to inculcating that philosophy and that view within the driving public in the ACT that it is not okay to speed. Speed limits are there for a reason. We are introducing a technology that will detect people anywhere along a stretch of road if they speed at any stage on that drive. I believe it is very consistent with ensuring a greater understanding that speed limits are there for a purpose. We all have a responsibility to obey them and the law, and we each must accept our responsibility for the way that we behave.
I ask that all further questions be placed on the notice paper.
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