Speed camera divides Berry community
May 18th, 2009 by admin
Speed camera divides Berry community
By KATRINA DAL MOLIN
THE Berry community is divided over the location of the highway speed camera south of the village.
Some residents have taken their concerns about the camera to Shoalhaven City Councillor Gareth Ward, claiming it is nothing more than a revenue raiser for the RTA and State Government.
However there are residents in the community who believe the speed camera should stay exactly where it is.
The camera is located on the western side of the highway several hundred metres from the Kangaroo Valley Road intersection.
Cr Ward said he had been approached by many residents of Berry concerned about the “illogical” location of the camera.
He believes the camera is being used inappropriately to raise revenue rather than acting as a safety device to slow drivers.
“This speed camera is being misused by the RTA for the purpose of revenue raising,” Cr Ward said.
Cars naturally sped up along that stretch of road, he said, as it crested and sloped towards the camera.
“The nature of that road and corner and the placement of the camera is deceptive.
“I think the RTA has designated a camera in that place to trap people rather than discourage people from speeding.”
But Berry residents Irene Birks and Brian Walster believe the location of the camera is justified.
Ms Birks and Mr Walster both believe the camera acts as a revenue raiser.
“But if people don’t speed, it won’t happen,” Ms Birks said.
“It may be hard to stick to 50 there, but we need to. No matter where you put it people will complain.”
Mr Walster agreed it was difficult to stop the car speeding up when travelling south and coming over the crest at the Kangaroo Valley Road intersection.
“You’ve got to be vigilant,” he said.
“But when you think about it, isn’t that what driving is all about?” Ms Birks added.
Mr Walster suggested a graduation of the decrease in speed heading north from 100km to 50.
“They should phase the speed change in. I think they need to make the speed 60 before it goes to 50,” he said.
Cr Ward will be moving a notice of motion at the next council meeting requesting council make submissions to the RTA to have the camera relocated, or at least have the organisation justify its position