Evaluation of the Speed Camera Program in Victoria 1990-1991. 
Phase 3: Localised effects on casualty crashes and crash severity.
Phase 4: General effects on speed

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #54 - 1994

Authors: P. Rogerson, S. Newstead & M. Cameron

Full report in .pdf format [3.4MB]

Abstract:

Phase 3 tests for a reduction in casualty crash frequency and severity at those times and in those areas where speed cameras were used in Melbourne from 1 July 1990 to 31 December 1991. Comparisons with New South Wales and corrections for unemployment and other factors were not necessary. The methodology does not involve any measurement of speed or speed change and does not rely on defining crashes in which speed may have been a major cause. The effect is inferred from comparing crashes which happened on days when a speed camera influence was assumed to be present with crashes which happened on days when the speed camera influence was assumed to be absent. All casualty crashes (14,504) within 1 km of any of the 1699 different speed camera sites were included.

• Phase 3 found a statistically significant reduction in casualty crashes within 1 km of a speed camera site as a result of the receipt of a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN). This appeared to have affected drivers in the vicinity of the site for two weeks (and maybe longer) after receiving the penalty. The effect appears to have been confined to 'high alcohol hours' of the week (mainly night-time) on arterial roads.
• There was no statistically significant reduction in the number of crashes which occurred (within 1 km of the camera site) during the week immediately after the speed camera use.
• There was no evidence of a difference in crash severity following the speed camera influence.

From the few speed measurements recorded, Phase 4 concluded that the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 km/h decreased from November 1989 to March 1990 and has remained at a lower level in both 60 km/h and 75 km/h speed zones. No significant chance in the mean speed was detected. The distribution of vehicle speeds recorded in 100km/h speed zones did not change after the introduction of the speed camera program in Victoria.

Sponsoring Organisation: Baseline Research Program - Australian Road Research Board, Department of Justice, Transport Accident Commission, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd, VicRoads.