Ring road ‘camera-free’

Alex de Vos
Motorists would enjoy a free run without speed cameras on Geelong’s new bypass, police revealed yesterday.
But authorities warned that bad driving could force police into reversing their decision to open the bypass without speed cameras.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said authorities had no plans “whatsoever” to install fixed cameras.
“If there were a lot of complaints from residents about speeding or a lot of crashes then police would look at installing cameras or creating a mobile camera site,” the spokesperson said.
“But at this stage there’s no plan to install cameras.”
However, Vicroads has revealed motorists will have to wait another seven months to use the bypass.
Vicroads had previously planned to open the first two stages in March.
Geelong Ring Road acting project director Michael McCarthy said completion of both stages was now set back to November.
Mr McCarthy said recent wet and cold weather had prevented work crews sealing the road surface.
“Road sealing requires reasonably warm, dry weather to make sure the surface sets properly so it’s safe to drive on,” Mr McCarthy said.
“Usually the weather conditions in April and May are suitable for this sort of work but unfortunately that has not been the case this year.”
Mr McCarthy said sealing the road this month would have resulted in a “poor quality” road surface and a potential safety hazard for motorists.
“Sealing works will now take place after winter and we are expecting sections one and two will be finished and open to traffic at the same time in November,” he said.
“Opening section one and two at the same time will see traffic on the road allthe way to the Hamilton Highway and will see a smoother traffic flow than if the sections were opened separately.”
Completion of bypass from Corio to the Princes Highway at Waurn Ponds is scheduled for late next year.
State Government plans to later link the bypass with Surf Coast Highway.