EVALUATION OF THE SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM IN VICTORIA 1990-1991, PHASE 3: LOCALISED EFFECTS ON CASUALTY CRASHES AND CRASH SEVERITY. PHASE 4: GENERAL EFFECTS ON SPEED

Phase 3 tests for a reduction in casualty crash frequency and severity where speed cameras were used in Melbourne from 1 July 1990 to 31 December 1991. The effect is inferred from comparing crashes which happened on dayswhen a speed camera influence was assumed to be absent. A statistically significant reduction was found in casualty crashes within 1 km of a speedcamera as a result of the receipt of a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN). This appeared to have affected drivers in the vicinity of the site for two weeks after receiving the penalty. The effect appears to have been confined to 'high alcohol hours' of the week on arterial roads. There was nostatistically significant reduction in the crashes which occurred during the week immediately after speed camera use. There was no evidence of a difference in crash severity following the speed camera influence. Phase 4concluded that the percentage of vehicles exceeding the speed limit by more than 15 km/h decreased from November 1989 to March 1990 and remained ata lower level in both 60 km/h and 75 km/h speed zones. No significant change in the mean speed was detected. The distribution of vehicle speeds recorded in 100km/h speed zones did not change. (a)