By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A CONTROVERSIAL Norlane hotspot for red-light infringements is under investigation, Victoria’s Road Safety Camera Commissioner has announced.
The commissioner, Gordon Lewis, said he had launched an investigation following a spate of driver complaints about a traffic-light camera at the intersection of The Boulevard and Melbourne Rd.
The intersection rakes in more than $400,000 in fines every three months, according to Justice Department September quarter figures. Twelve months previously it generated $67,726.
The intersection produces the fourth most red-light infringements in Victoria.
The intersection was upgraded a year ago after the construction of a Bunnings store nearby.
The high number of infringements prompted motorists to write to the Independent complaining the intersection’s turn arrow allows insufficient time to cross all four lanes.
The motorists have called on Vicroads to check the timing of the lights and have vowed to avoid the intersection in future.
The Independent received numerous letters to the editor from motorists who had been hit with a $361 fine and three demerit points at the intersection.
Susan Spokes was “infuriated” about her fine, which she described as revenue-raising.
North Geelong’s Robert Derksen said he hoped “something may be done” about the intersection if enough drivers complained.
Fran and Rolf Kohnert, of Rippleside, were “horrified when they received a “hefty” fine with a notification they entered the intersection nine seconds into a red light.
“We are both fiercely against anyone who would run a red light and would never do anything like this, especially as nine seconds represents over 100 metres.”
Norlane West’s Alan Marshall suggested every driver fined for attempting the turn from Bunnings into Melbourne Rd should contest their infringement notice.
Another driver claimed Vicroads had changed the intersection’s line markings 12 months after the red light camera and red turn arrow were installed, meaning the intersection was technically illegal.
