Tasmania - Warning over speed camera cuts
By Edith Bevin
The union says there will be fewer cameras in rural areas where most serious crashes occur.
Tasmania's public sector union says the decision by the police department to sack its civilian speed camera operators will result in more road fatalities.
About 11 camera operators will be replaced by police officers due to budget cuts.
The Community and Public Sector Union says the extra workload on police will mean fewer cameras in rural areas, where most serious crashes occur.
Tasmania Police says speed cameras are only part of its road safety strategy and the move will save $800,000 a year.
Spokesman, Tom Lynch, says the economic reason for the decision does not even make sense.
"I understand the cost of operating the speed cameras right around the state in a full year is equivalent to what it costs for one fatal injury in the state and I'm sure the operation of speed cameras has saved multiple lives, avoided multiple crashes every single year," he said.
The Police Association says officers do not have the time and resources to man the cameras in the rural black-spots where they are most needed.
Acting president Robbie Dunn says it is also undesirable to leave the cameras running.
"Speed cameras are part of a strategy, the strategy has been extremely successful."
"We've got the lowest stats we've ever had. I wouldn't want to tinker with anything and now it is being tinkered with.
"I'd hate to say it but it could well lead to more accidents," he said.
Police will operate the cameras from next month.