Lights too quick for drivers

By CASEY NEILL
RED light camera fines from two Greater Dandenong intersections are under review.
VicRoads found the amber light was not showing long enough before turning red at the Heatherton and Gladstone roads intersection in Dandenong North between 29 December 2004 and 16 August this year, and at Foster and McCrae streets in Dandenong from 18 October 2010 to 16 August this year.
AustRoads guidelines say the amber light should last four seconds at these intersections, but VicRoads found it lasted only three.
This means drivers were photographed and fined for entering the intersection on a red light when it should still have been amber. Running a red light attracts a $305 fine and three demerit points.
VicRoads reviewed red light camera intersections after motorist Gordon Bishop successfully challenged a fine from a camera at Melbourne Airport in court. The case is now the subject of an appeal.
Victoria’s Road Safety Camera Commissioner, Judge Gordon Lewis, is investigating the issue.
A spokesman for Police Minister Peter Ryan said the State Government would wait for his findings and the court case outcome before considering any further action on the issue.
VicRoads has now confirmed that all signals are operating in accordance with guidelines.
Call Civic Compliance Victoria on 9200 8111 with questions about fines from intersections under review while the commissioner’s investigation is taking place.