By Casey Neill
A Keysborough minister is calling for just one extra second.
Lighthouse Christian Church and College senior minister and president Richard Warner is urging other Springvale and Cheltenham roads red light camera victims to join him in challenging the Keysborough “revenue-raiser”.
“I’ve got caught about five times in the past two years or so,” he said.
“There isn’t enough time to turn right.
“One more second on the right hand green light is all that is needed to make things reasonable.”
The offence attracts a $389 fine and three demerit points.
Mr Warner said the intersection was among the highest revenue earners in Victoria.
“The reason is obvious. About two to three years ago the lights were re-calibrated to make the right hand turn much faster, thus causing quite a dangerous situation,” he said.
He wrote to Civic Compliance Victoria after receiving his latest fine, but the authority said it was satisfied that the alleged offence was committed and confirmed that the infringement notice was justified.
“I was standing in line on Springvale Road facing north to turn right into Cheltenham Road,” Mr Warner said.
“It is usually a long wait for the right hand lane green light to come on.
“I was third car in the row.
“The first car was extremely slow in moving.
“As I was moving forward and turning I noticed the right hand red light came on – far too late for me to stop or do anything.
“I knew I was technically guilty… ”
But Mr Warner said there was not enough time for a third vehicle to turn right when the first one or two were slow to move off.
“It’s quite ridiculous,” he said.
“I use this intersection every day.
“I drive carefully and am a law-abiding citizen.
“There is no common sense variation as to the timing of the right hand light depending on traffic flow.
“It is an example of senseless legislation penalising innocent drivers while hoons and blatant law-breakers get away scot-free.”
VicRoads Metro East signal services manager Anthony Fitts said state-of-the-art traffic signal equipment controlled the turning arrows at the intersection “and are in accordance with Austroads and VicRoads guidelines”.
“The timing of the yellow turning arrow is three seconds which is designed for a lower approach speed rather than the posted speed limit,” he said.
“Road users should be driving to the prevailing traffic and weather conditions whilst also considering their own ability in terms of reaction times.”
Mr Warner urged others who’d received red light camera fines at the intersection to call him on 0411 231 163 or email richard@lighthouse.org.au.
