THE state government has started installing speed camera warning signs on Peninsula Link freeway but the cameras have not yet been switched on.
The six cameras on the 27-kilometre freeway between EastLink tollway in Carrum Downs and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway at Mt Martha are in pairs, all in Moorooduc – one in each direction at the Loders Rd flyover, Mornington-Tyabb Rd off-ramps and Eramosa Rd West flyover.
The cameras will function as instantaneous cameras as well as point-to-point units, which photograph a vehicle’s number plate as it passes the first camera and then compares the plate of the vehicle as it passes the second camera.
The average speed is calculated and any vehicle with an average exceeding the limit will receive a fine.
On Wednesday, a Department of Justice spokesperson said “road safety cameras on Peninsula Link have been installed and are in the final stages of being commissioned”.
“A significant, independent and comprehensive testing regime under live traffic conditions will take place before any cameras are switched on.
“This vigorous testing will begin once sites are fully commissioned.
“Part of the installation process includes the posting of advisory signs alerting motorists that speed cameras operate in the area. These signs are a standard feature across the road safety camera network in Victoria.”
The spokesman said cameras would be switched on “when Victoria Police and the Department of Justice are completely satisfied the system is ready”.
“Motorists will receive ample warning in the form of roadside advertising before any speed enforcement on Peninsula Link begins.”
The freeway opened on 18 January. In last year’s state budget, the government allocated almost $10 million for the cameras but they were not installed before the road opened because freeway builder Abigroup restricted access as it rushed to complete the freeway on time after more than two years of above-average rain.
A police spokesman said patrols would continue to enforce speed limits while the cameras were being tested.
