Police boat to ‘block’ speed cameras in city

ERIN PEARSON
VICTORIA’S water police will block speed cameras in Geelong with a boat, according to an officer.
Leading Senior Constable and Police Association delegate Matthew Blythe said the boat would warn motorists of nearby cameras as part of an ongoing pay dispute.
The water police began blocking cameras on Melbourne roadsides this week to advance a 4.5 per cent pay claim against State Government’s offer of 2.5 per cent.
Ld Sen Const Blythe said the boat was a “visual way” to ramp up the pay push.
“Once we know where the speed cameras will be for the week we’ll determine where and when you’ll see us with the boat around Geelong,” he said.
Road Safe Barwon Chair Rod Bennett “profusely objected”.
He feared that blocking the cameras would encourage speeding.
“Speeding is a major contributor to death and injury on our roads, with speed contributing to over 40 per cent of fatalities in Victoria,” Mr Bennett said.
“Speed cameras are an integral part of enforcing speed limits and changing driver behaviour.”
Police Association Secretary Greg Davies said pay negotiations were in the “hands of the Government”.
“The position with the Government is exactly the same as nine months ago,” he said.
“We have no idea how much longer this will go on but all of it will stop if State Government negotiates.
“As yet they still haven’t put forward a counter proposal.”
Baillieu Government spokesman Simon Troeth said the pay discussions were still underway.
“We’ve made it clear that any payment above 2.5 per cent has to be offset with productivity improvements,” he said.
“What tactics they use is up to them but we continue to negotiate in good faith.”
Geelong police are also taking industrial action as part of the pay dispute.
Officers have temporarily halted voluntary duties, emailing, recording incoming calls, filling in running sheets and compiling statistical information.