DRIVERS who tried to run the gauntlet in Mount Gambier streets last financial year were not so lucky, with speed and red light cameras raising more than $500,000 in revenue.
Statistics provided by the RAA showed 1390 drivers were caught speeding by fixed or mobile speed cameras, while a further 244 people were flashed by fixed red light cameras.
Those breaking the road rules coughed up a combined $532,877 during the 2018/19 financial year – the largest figure in the past five years.
RAA road safety senior manager Charles Mountain said speeding and running red lights could have “catastrophic consequences”.
“Red light running is of particular concern, especially when there is a potential for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians to be hit by vehicles,” he said.
“With regards to speeding, research shows it continues to be a major contributing factor to serious and fatal crashes.
“Even small increases in speed mean you travel a longer distance before your react, combined with a longer stopping distance.
Mobile speed cameras were the most effective tool to catch speeding drivers, with 1190 people caught exceeding limits by the temporary cameras.
Only 200 people were nabbed by the fixed speed cameras, which are located at the intersection of Commercial Street East and Crouch Street North, Sturt Street and Bay Road, and Commercial Street West and Wehl Street.
Mr Mountain said fixed speed cameras are installed on the back of research and feedback from the community.
“Traffic signals are installed because of identified crash history and it’s important that people obey them for their own safety and others,” he said.
“Communities often have to lobby long and hard to have safety cameras installed, so RAA encourages people to use these intersections accordingly.”
Last year, the intersection of Commercial Street East and Crouch Street North was where most drivers took an unnecessary risk.
A total of 207 drivers were caught at that location for either speeding or running a red light.
Since 2014/15, speed and red light cameras in Mount Gambier have raised over $2.3m in revenue.
