The objective of this project was to provide a scientific base for the development of a safety camera strategy that will: (1) maximise the road safety benefit of the safety camera program, and (2) continue to build on the positive outcomes achieved by enforcement programs in Victoria over the last ten years. A review of previous evaluation research concerning Victorian, interstate and international automated enforcement programs was conducted. The review concentrated on the way in which this research can inform the future use of new and existing safety camera technologies in Victoria. Strategic principles relating to the maximisation of available intelligence and technology were formulated. The deterrence mechanisms behind each of the enforcement programs are discussed and world’s best practice is identified where possible. The deterrence value of the Victorian safety camera program is assessed in relation to the principal road trauma problems addressed (speeding and red-light running), the number of serious casualty crashes targeted by each offence detection technology, information on likely effects on these crashes, the influence of the timing and severity of penalties, and the supporting role of mass media publicity. Community acceptance and support for the program is also discussed in detail. These elements of a traffic law enforcement program play a key role in determining the effectiveness of the program in achieving reductions in road trauma. This report provides a valuable scientific base for developing a strategy for the future directions of the safety camera program, but the report is not that strategy. The limited information available about the effects of the new technologies, and recent changes to the mobile speed camera operations, precludes that step from a scientific point of view. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting