Wait for noise cams drags on

Kim Waters
STATE Government has failed to deliver on its promise to silence noisy trucks on Geelong’s bypass, according to residents.
They say trucks are still ruining their peace and quiet six months after the Government announced a trial of “noise cameras” to crack down on drivers using loud engine-braking near homes.
Albo Tatasziore, whose home is 50 metres from the bypass, said the noise was worse than ever.
The trucks were keeping his kids awake at night, he said.
“We understand that the road has to be there and that it’s done a good thing for Geelong but it’s like they’ve just forgotten about us,” Mr Tatasziore said.
“Noise cameras will keep the truck drivers honest just like speed cameras discourage people from speeding.
“It’s definitely something we need here and I’m not sure why they still haven’t been used when they were promised.”
South Barwon MP Michael Crutchfield first flagged the trial in 2009 after residents expressed anger at the truck noise in the Independent.
In March Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced the “new initiative” to deal with excessive truck engine braking, saying he had “heard the concerns of Waurn Ponds residents”.
Mr Pallas labelled the area a “priority” for the equipment.
But a spokesperson for Mr Pallas this week said the cameras had yet to arrive in Geelong.
“We made an announcement in Geelong because we thought it was important for people to know this trial was occurring,” the spokesperson said.
“Because it’s a trial we only have a limited amount of cameras and we need to move them around.
“We’ve already handed out some infringement notices in other places and the cameras will be moved on to all other spots eventually.”
VicRoads vehicle management and safety director Don Hogben said the roads authority would use the cameras at 28 sites in Victoria.
He would not confirm when the trial would move to Waurn Ponds.
“Waurn Ponds is on the list of places still to be hit and the cameras should move there sometime before the end of the year,” Mr Hogben said.
“While there is no specific legal limit on engine brake noise, the national standard for truck noise is 81 decibels and applies to trucks that are accelerating at maximum power.
“Noise cameras are intended to improve compliance with national heavy vehicle noise emission levels and encourage truck owners to maintain their trucks and exhaust systems.”