Opinions on fixed speed camera vary from "scam" to "great idea"

A PLAN to install Ballarat's first fixed speed and red light camera at the intersection of Sturt and Gillies streets has received a mixed response. On The Courier website yesterday readers expressed diverse opinions ranging from descriptions of the move as a "money grab" and "scam" to a "great idea" and a way to save lives.One reader wrote: "This government has placed more emphasis on speeding than crime in the streets," while another challenged why drivers would be concerned: "Don't go through a red light, don't speed and then it doesn't matter. Not hard!" On the street yesterday the response was also varied. Ballarat resident Kirsty Beckett said speed cameras were about making money. "Instead of speed cameras we should have more police," she said. Sebastopol resident Gary Robilliard agreed. "I always believe there are better ways to slow people down, especially in places such as school zones," he said. "I think all they (speed cameras) do is make money for the government."The camera will be one of 53 to be installed at intersections across Victoria, including six in rural areas. The cameras will be installed over a six-month period starting in August. Central Highlands Division Superintendent Andrew Allen said choosing the location for speed and red light cameras was a matter for the State Government and VicRoads."Speed and red light cameras do have a proven track record of reducing road trauma," he said. "We may see more in the future, but that's not a decision for Victoria Police."A Ballarat VicRoads spokeswoman said there had been one serious and two minor crashes at the intersection between 2004 and 2008. She was unable to comment on why specifically the Sturt and Gillies streets location had been chosen.