Speed cameras to slow traffic to 60 km/h on major roads

Mark Zerafa

Feb 16th 2009, 22:06

I'm so pleased that the Government and the Local Councils are so concerned about our safety!

So let me recap..

Registration Tax +
Annual Licence +
Levy on your Car Insurance +
VAT on Fuel +
Eco Tax on most consumables +
VAT on repairs and parts

I thought I was not contributing enough to the state coffers... thank goodness that now we can expect to get caught overspeeding by 2 km/h, or get caught in some petty offence by some robo-cop minded warden... that way I can pay my fair share!

Stop villainising the motorist - we subsidise half the country!

People driving slowly cause just as many accidents as people overspeeding... and if you think that a speed camera is going to stop a boy racer, you just slow down at the right point, and then accelerate again once you're past the camera's range!

Am I safer as a motorist? No, I'm paying more attention to my speedo than the road in front of me!

R Grech

Feb 14th 2009, 15:07

Maybe it is a simple exercise to collect some of the one million debt that Birkirkara Local Council has managed to do over the past three years with nothing to show for it. Good exercise before the Local COuncil elections.

Paul Caruana

Feb 14th 2009, 09:50

I think it is pertinent to point out one particular issue. Motorists will now be spending more time looking at the speedometer, to keep the speed just under the 60km/hr, rather than on the road ahead of them!

This is potentially a very dangerous situation. I repeat, let us have a sensible reasonable overall speed limit in non built up areas of 70km/hr, rather than these constantly variable speed limits on our main roads.

Or is this just a ploy to confuse motorists and generate revenue?

Chris Finch

Feb 14th 2009, 09:18

Many police forces in the UK are now removing the cameras as they do nothing to reduce road accidents.

It seems once again that Malta is 15years behind the rest of europe in its thinking. Either that or the government has so mismanaged its budgets that it has to do whatever it can to claw money from the people. Viva ArrogGantziPN.

R.Cassar

Feb 14th 2009, 09:16

To all British contributors;
whilst i fully applaud the British Highway code inc the installation of numerous speed cameras, the problem in Malta is that we not simply copy the system, we reinvent it.
eg.
in city cores and pedestrian intense areas we install speed bumps and not reduce the speed to 30Mph(45Km/H) and install speed cameras.

a two lane road ends up in one lane when reaching a roundabout...In the UK a solid white line continues around the roundabout with prior indication to pick up the lane prior to entering the roundabout.

main arteries and motorways are designed and constructed to maintain road holding rain or shine at the design speed. inc country roads.

it is illegal besides madness for pedestrians to cross main arteries and motorways - UK
why do we see pedestrians crossing over a main artery divided by a central strip in Malta?
Has anyone met pedestrians standing on the central strip in front of the old University gate?
This is simply illegal and highly unsafe.
Is jay walking illegal in Malta
If someone God forbid dies trying to cross such roads, we Maltese install a speed camera and not make proper pedestrian crossing or bridge.

Mike Magri

Feb 14th 2009, 09:11

Speed Cameras my foot... With this kind of `illegal` speed limit of only 60km/hr on major roads, these are nothing else BUT YET ANOTHER `TAX` making machines...

I am not against such cameras to serve as a deterent against irrisponsible, gas happy so called drivers, but only against the speed limit TRAP of a stupid 60km/hr limit for major roads, which in my openion should NOT BE LESS than 70km/hr, as in Rabat road, Zebbug and elsewhere...

@ Now a question to Mr. Edward James.... Would you please elaborate a little bit and tell us what kind of speed limits are used in the u.k. concerming the main roads and in inhabited areas..? Thank you..

Ramon Casha

Feb 14th 2009, 08:10

I can assure you that those people who enjoy racing their cars at 100kph+ know precisely where every speed camera is. It's easy to drive the car at top speed, slow down when you reach the speed camera and for 30-40 meters after, then speed up again, or simply move to other roads, including those in residential areas. These are not the ones nabbed by the speed cameras - it's usually those moving at a fraction above the speed limit who are fined. Perhaps the authorities can come up with some statistics about what speed the motorists were travelling at when they were captured by the camera.

Some UK studies have shown that speed cameras actually increase accidents because of the drivers who, while they were not overspeeding, were not aware of their speed when they notice the speed camera and brake hard to be on the safe side, causing cars behind them to swerve violently to avoid a collision.

Setting unreasonably low speed limits is another dangerous idea - it makes some drivers take risks to overtake slow-moving cars. Try travelling around Naxxar church at the speed limit (5kph) and see what I mean.

A. Saliba

Feb 14th 2009, 07:46

Well said Adrian Cardona and Daniel Aquilina:

"The only result i can anticipate is that ppl who want to speed will resort to other back roads and go at twice the spd"

"putting up speed cameras with 60km/hr limits will only push said boy racers into residential areas so that they can speed there to their heart's content."

This is exactly what's going to happen. Just wait and see.

@R. Carabott:

Nobody abided by the 50km/hr speed limit because it's a RIDICULOUS speed limit. Does it makes sense to you that a one-lane residential road has the same speed-limit as a two-lane arterial road? Not only that, but there haven't been any serious accidents along most of these roads in recent years. Most fatalities last year happened on the Coast Road, St. Andrews Road, and there was one along the first part of tal-barrani, NOT where the speed cameras are being put in place. Clearly then, you just want to make some money.

Josette Camilleri

Feb 13th 2009, 23:08

This is just another form of taxation. 60km/h is not the appropriate speed limit for a main road. Encourage idlessness as only those who have nothing else to do would Sunday drive all week long.

ivan visanich

Feb 13th 2009, 22:23

Time will come when motorists will learn to reduce speed upon approaching a speed camera,then speed again once past it,the ADT and local councils won't make any more money out of them and what will be the next step,redcing the speed limit to 10km/h or 5km/h,isn't it already frustrating that due to appauling road conditions driving to work will take twice the time it should take.And if the ADT earned €1.5 million just from the regional road camers, where has our illegally stolen money gone to ? We have to remember that apart from the Attard camera which is correctly set as per highway code all others should be 80 and not 60 if everything is to be fairly made..Why should we have to drive like we're in a funeral just because some idiot crashes into a wall or a tree and the ADT declare the road as a black spot a camera is fitted ?,Better surfaced, more grippy and well lit roads reduce accidents,but whatever the ADT says the cameras are just there to rip our pockets illegally,so please ADT stop breaking the rules and find better things to do.

lgalea

Feb 13th 2009, 21:14

"The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) gave the green light for the installation of these speed cameras after receiving applications from the joint committees of the respective areas, an ADT official said."

Remember that the joint committees are made up of the representatives of the local councils.

Remember to write your message on your vote at the next local councils elections.

Daniel Aquilina

Feb 13th 2009, 20:42

Totally Cash traps, as far as i know a car achives best fuel efficiency at 80km/hr, if one cannot drive at that speed on the main arteries which anyways are in utters shambles, along with enormous sleeping policemen which are unmarked (faded paint if lucky/no cat-eyes reflectors at night) cause extensive damage to our vehicles.
The only result i can anticipate is that ppl who want to speed will resort to other back roads and go at twice the spd, or more cases of road-rage fuelled by the frustration when trying to get anywhere on this island without getting stuck in traffic, then not finding parking or else find ever wider pavements or other protrusions such as flower beds again unmarked by cat-eyes etc, if the local councils want revenue they should invest in parking areas and facilities and not RIP US OFF our hard earned money. i do not want to justify speeding in any way, but this camera-happy mania is going way overboard.

Albert Bezzina

Feb 13th 2009, 20:25

I would imagine that very few motorists would continue driving above the speed limit on purpose to get a hefty fine. It surely is a case of inattention in most or almost all cases. We should all make an effort to stick to the speed limit even if unreasonably low. The cameras are there to make money for the camera operator and the local councils. If we all avoid getting zapped we can get them to lose their ‘investment’. I would boycott 60 kph roads and use other ways even if it means going through secondary roads. There are ways for motorists to show their disapproval in a law abiding manner and this is a suggestion I will use myself. Be assured that there will be very little margin of error and I am sure that motorists will be zapped if they are doing 62 kph in the 60 kph limit.

c.t. busuttil

Feb 13th 2009, 19:57

Because we behave like children, we are treated like children. But 60kph! Now we're treated like obese children.

Steve Mifsud

Feb 13th 2009, 19:47

Very good!! Slower speeds for those who like doing the outer lane at 20km/h = more traffic, more congestion and more frustration and more pollution, so much into reducing the carbon footprint. At least put a lower speed limit too so those drivers could be fined too.

jaap Herm.

Feb 13th 2009, 19:01

You might not believe this for those who never been to the low countries or Germany,but we have seen them with our own eyes the Dutch got a habit of hideing behind the bushes with a ready camera for any one going over the limit,then before you know it hej presto! a yellow at least it was a yellow summons when i had a ticket for going over the top and now we're in the eu they will trace you in which any eu country you originate,also not forgetting the fact they they have unmarked police cars equipped with vedios and all the technologies under the sun, so think yourselves luck in Malta it is still basics. Jaaphermsae Holland

James Aquilina

Feb 13th 2009, 18:49

Red light cameras would have been a "better investment in safetey"

speed cameras are just cash cows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

anti-speed-camera numberplate spray is an option though.....

Edward James

Feb 13th 2009, 18:47

Sorry to those of you who have commented below, but speed cameras have been a huge success in Britain. Or perhaps you've been listening to the endless ranting lies of a couple of prominent militant, highly vocal anti-speed camera lobby groups?

Thanks to speed cameras in Britain, several hundred children are safe at home with their families instead of rotting in coffins.

The only people who have reason to fear speed cameras are the ones who tear around like lunatics. If this new move puts them in court, then hooooorrrraaaaaaay! Lock them up and throw away the key.

Diane Duric

Feb 13th 2009, 17:53

Wouldn't mind so much if the proceeds from offenders went on repairing the crappy roads! 60kmh is probably ideal for all the old bangers which probably can't get to 80kmh anyway!

lgalea

Feb 13th 2009, 17:47

"The Malta Transport Authority (ADT) gave the green light for the installation of these speed cameras after receiving applications from the joint committees of the respective areas"

This means the local councils.

Remember their impositions to rob you of your money when the local councils elections come and deliver your message on your vote after voting for your party candidates.

P Debono

Feb 13th 2009, 17:30

Just another money-making exercise.

Adrian Cardona

Feb 13th 2009, 17:06

@ Nigel Lawrence
boy racers drive at over a 100km/hr, not at the perfectly decent 80km/hr. Furthermore, putting up speed cameras with 60km/hr limits will only push said boy racers into residential areas so that they can speed there to their heart's content. Where is your safety logic huh?! Do you want speed cameras at 10km/hr inside town centres as well? I'm sure you were also pleased as Punch when you saw most arterial roads being narrowed down to single-lanes. I am not advocating dangerous speeds, I simply want common sense on our roads, something sorely lacking up there where decisions are taken.

Adrian Cardona

Feb 13th 2009, 16:58

This has gone far enough now. This is theft, pure and simple. This will cause more accidents because I, for one, am going to drive at the legal limit of 80km/hr until I come across these signs, then slam on the brakes, then accelerate again as soon as I pass the camera. I am not doing anything illegal, yet the authorities will be forcing me to drive less safely than before. If, instead of simply complaining, you want to do something about it, now we can. On Facebook there is a group set up for this purpose, go and join it (No to illegally set speed cameras). A campaign will start. This will go to Brussels if it has to, because many European directives are being broken here. Also, do not vote in the council elections if you live in a locality where they are installed, and make it clear to the hopefuls begging for your vote as to why you are not voting. We cannot just complain, we must now act before these incompetent people completely ruin road safety standards on this island.

M. Zammit

Feb 13th 2009, 16:46

Just a spoonful of sugar makes the GonziPN medicine go down!!!

Buses and trucks are belching harmful cluods of smoke everywhere, yet the government penalises drivers from driving at decent, acceptable speeds.

You can't even enjoy driving your car in this God forsaken country! Jaqq dal-Gvern u dal-pajjiz uhhhhhhhh

Dr Francis Saliba

Feb 13th 2009, 16:34

In Malta speed cameras are not safety measures - they are revenue earning traps. That is why drivers are seduced into driving at a certain safe speed for long distances which speed limit is suddenly reduced on approaching near a speed camera and when there is no alteration in the road drivng conditions.

Francis Buhagiar

Feb 13th 2009, 16:05

I would like to know if a survey on how much money these traffic jamms on our roads are costing the goverment and private entities has been carried out.
Do the ADT knows that to get out of kirkop tunnel between 7.30 and 8.30 am. will take you 10 minutes and another 10 minutes to reach luqa.
Keep
Frans Buhagiar

c.camilleri

Feb 13th 2009, 15:50

When serious accidents happen everyone blame the Govt for lack of surveyance on our roads. When Govt installs speed cameras to avoid accidents they call it an other vile tax. Do we Maltese know what we want?

Charles Sammut

Feb 13th 2009, 15:36

"A permit to install a speed camera is only granted if the committee has carried out feasibility studies."

That gives the whole game away.

A feasability study is carried out to establish what speed to set so as to maximise income and justify the investment.

A. Saliba

Feb 13th 2009, 15:34

@Nigel Lawrence

Boy racers? Since when is doing 80km/hr on a two-lane arterial road considered racing?

J.Bonnici

Feb 13th 2009, 15:31

I'll go on tal-Barrani, break 60km/h repeatedly just for the kick of it and nobody will prosecute me because I'll be on my mountain bike.

It's pathetic Austin.

K Farrugia

Feb 13th 2009, 15:31

I have written a letter to the editor about this issue and I do hope it gets published soon.

Briefly, I am totally frustrated with the ridiculous speeds imposed. They will only serve to exacerbate the traffic congestion problems. One rarely hears of any severe accidents occurring outside the St. Venera Tunnels, so why put a camera there? Furthermore, if saftey is the true issue here, why don't we upgrade the roads with better surfacing and clear markings? Apparently safety isn't the real issue...the issue is simply to make more cash!

R. Carabott

Feb 13th 2009, 15:02

For the information of your readers, the speed limit in the Santa Venera Tunnels is now set to 60km/h from 50km/h. The Speed limit was increased by another 10km/h. This fact went unnoticed to the general public because the previous speed limit of 50km/h was totally ignored.
If the speed limit is respected, there would be no need for speed cameras. Speeding through the tunnels is considered hazardous and therefore the limit applied by ADT is more then justified. Considering the fact that the Birkirkara By Pass claimed lives, the 60km/h is also justified. The Roundabout leading to Iklin, mentioned in your article, experienced several car crashes in the past months. Therefore over speeding traffic must be controlled at all costs, in order to save lives.

For more information anyone can log on http://www.bkr-jointcommittee.com/

R. Carabott, Authorised Officer
Joint Committee of Local Councils for the Regional Law Enforcement & Public Order, Birkirkara Local Tribunal

c.camilleri

Feb 13th 2009, 15:01

Where there are speed cameras the road accidents have decreased drastically.

J Cachia

Feb 13th 2009, 14:49

Yesterday, I nearly crashed 3 times while driving on the bypass on my way to Lija. While i was driving infront of Mater dei, I overtook a car driving at around 50Km/h, and on returning on the inner lane a car nearly rammed me from behind as it joined the bypass at massive speed from the road from university, overtook the car i had just overtook and placed itself inches from my rear bumper. Later as I passed the Klikk showroom, in a downhill stretch of road, i was constantly pressing the brakes to keep the car from accellerating beyond the 60Km/h limit, with my eyes shifting form teh road and the dashboard. I nearly crashed in teh curve just before Aplan showroom. The same happended as i negotiated the last left hand bend before the Vodaphone roundabout. Again this stretch of road is downhill. In my opinion speed cameras will not make traffic flow more efficeient but will make people look to and fro the street the speedometer. This would increase the possibility of crahses. The result? Complete traffic standstill on the bypass! Cameras did not solve britain's mortality on the highways! Common sense did.

Hank Williams

Feb 13th 2009, 14:49

Speed cameras should be installed for the improvent of traffic safety AND the enforcement of the Traffic Rules! However, I do understand that many reader and drivers consider them a 'cash trap'. Because that is what they are here in Malta, not only for the benefit of the local councils [in the long term not really for the councilors, as their voters get 'trapped' as wel!!] but voor the Guard & Warden companies. Particular one of them who also import these now/soon allmost 20 cameras at min. 15,000 euro each!! People do your calculations 1.5M Euro in 2005 from 2 cameras on the regional road!! St. Julians must now be VERY rich, or someone else?

D. A . Agius

Feb 13th 2009, 14:07

ADT is finally replying as to why speeds have been lowered from the national speed limit.

Another step is to publish these "extensive" studies so that everyone understands why the speed needs to be limited from the national limit.

Until these are published, my and the general public's opinion is that these cameras are nothing but cash cows and that ADT willingly pushes down speed limits so that distracted drivers going a paltry 3km/hr over the speed limit will be fined.

And since we're talking of this, why not set a variable fine system. For example, if you go over the limit by 5km/h you get a fine of say 10EUR, 10km/h brings it to 20EUR, and so on and so forth. That way if I made an honest mistake i get a pat on the hand (10EUR) but if I am testing my engine to the max (easily 150km/hr, or 70 km/hr over the national limit) I get fined more (e.g. 140EUR if we take 10EUR for each 5km/hr extra speed)

That way we're really considering the danger to others created by REALLY excessive speeding, not punishing me the same whether it's 5km/hr overthe speed limit or80 km/hr over!

Joe Cordina

Feb 13th 2009, 13:24

So why not just change the law and brng down the max speed limit to 60km/h? At least in this way the decision would be first debated in Parliament adn not taken arbitrarily by some paper pusher at ADT

C. Vella

Feb 13th 2009, 13:20

How about making these reports public for I cannot see any report justifying the 60km/h limit when the limit is 80km/h? In my honest opinion this is an excuse to extort money from us. I guess its time to make my vote count in the next local council elections.

A. Saliba

Feb 13th 2009, 12:59

What is the logic behind these limits (let's forget the cameras for a second)? Does it make sense to have 60km/hr limits on major two-lane arterial roads when the national speed limit is 80km/hr? If anything the limit should be increased to 90 on some roads.

Adrian Vella

Feb 13th 2009, 12:30

This is nothing short of exploitation. Speed cameras on the only straight roads in Malta, at a reduced speed limit. Two of my foreign Colleagues were each "trapped" driving at a speed of 62 KPH at different times. These cameras should be used to control excessive speed and not to entrap motorists. Shame on whoever is responsible for this scam

Dr. Savior Tortell Pisani

Feb 13th 2009, 12:24

Cash Traps? HaHa! Of course they are Cash traps!!

I think this is an abbusive situation... I would even call it foolish...

I am obviously against having roadrunners testing our ill-prepared roads at 100km/h+ but limiting traffic to 60km/h for no valid reason on the most important and heavily used roads of the island is plain stupid!

Reducing speed limits too severly increases road delays, further reduces the road throughput of our already overloaded roads and ultimately hurts the economy of the country as a whole. The government is an idiot if he allows local councils to keep squeezing the public's pocket for cash at the detriment of national throughput.

The national speed limit is 80km/h so I would love to call these new speed cameras illegal...

BUT Unfortunatly nothing in our "well written" laws stops these rogue local councils from clamping down speed limts to anything they like.. Tomorrow it will be 40km/h and the next day after it could even be 20km/h...

Who is going to stop them?

R. Cassar

Feb 13th 2009, 12:05

I've seen the one in Qromi...60 km/h is too slow for that stretch of the road. The speed limit should be 80km/h. It will probably cause more harm than good.

Is this becoming another means of revenue for the government over the already over-taxed Maltese motorists? I would prefer seeing the roads fixed than adding speed cameras with ridiculous speed limits.

The road between Marsa (near the Turkish cemetery) and Qormi seems like it has just been hit by some Junkers 87 dive bombers straight from World War II.

F.Bartolo.snr

Feb 13th 2009, 12:02

At Last! the ADT are getting the message better late then never as we say. still good on them and i hope there will be more in the coming future, they will certainly save alot of unnecessary deaths. F.bartolo

Carmelo Romano

Feb 13th 2009, 11:53

May I suggest that the new speed cameras intended to be placed at the exits of the St. Venera tunnel, be moved over the Valley Road bridge on the same road. Many accidents happen on this bridge. The crash bars there are replaced on a regular basis. Furthermore, the sign indicating "Accident Black Spot" is on the bridge and not under the tunnels. Speed cameras should be used to save lives and property.

W.Gatt

Feb 13th 2009, 11:29

"feasibility studies" - perhaps they mean 'affordability studies'

Early last Saturday morning I was driving on the Mriehel by-pass on my way to Attard when the speed camera nabbed me - I was doing exactly 70km/hr, on a road for which the limit is equal to the national speed limit. I use this road on a daily basis.

The Highway Code specifies that the national speed limit is 80km/hr unless stated otherwise. I doubt whether our speed cameras are maintained when they are due for calibration.

Don't get me wrong, I am against reckless driving - it can only lead to the death of innocent people. But I think that besides controlling the driving speed, we should also ensure safe roads - and that perhaps water sprinklers actually sprinkle water over the grass and not over the road (think about the roundabout linking San Gwann to Regional Road and Gzira)!

Paul Caruana

Feb 13th 2009, 11:18

May I appeal to the relevant authorities to solve this issue of varying speed limits once and for all. It is creating unneccessary confusion - it may be fine to increase the number of speeding fine collected per annum, but is grossly unfair to the hard pressed motorist.

As a compromise, I would suggest reducing the national speed limit to 70 km/hr, while at the same time removing all the outrageously low 60km/hr speed traps on our motorways running through non build up areas, and recalibrating all speed cameras accordingly.

James Azzopardi

Feb 13th 2009, 11:16

This is nothing more than a money making exercise. 60km speeds will result in more accidents - but who cares as long as revenues are being raked in.

J.Tonna

Feb 13th 2009, 11:16

WELL DONE A.D.T.

Why should one risk his life and that of his family, because of some speed-maniac making the roads as Racing Rings?

The only way to teach some people is to touch their poockets.

Ramon Casha

Feb 13th 2009, 11:14

This system is one major scam. The idea of letting the entities responsible for speed limits and cameras cash in on the fines makes corruption almost inevitable.

Here's an idea: Take that revenue away from the councils, LES or any other entity linked to them, so as to take away the cash incentive that exists to fine as many people as possible.

Brian Fenech

Feb 13th 2009, 11:10

well done ADT! 60km/h?? what a joke!!
the repercussions of this speed limit?.... longer traffic streams, since alot of idiotic drivers slow down to under 40km/h when they see a speed camera!!

GOOD LUCK MOTORISTS!

J. Borg

Feb 13th 2009, 11:01

Just another VILE TAX

Are there any lawyers worth their warrants out there?

john fenech

Feb 13th 2009, 10:58

Speed control cameras have always been the bone of contention and because of this several countries do their best to be transparent in their actions. That is proving that the camera installation is as a safety aid and not as cash revenue.

For instance the camera installed in the exit and entrance to tunnels has the specific aim of reducing speed before entering or exiting the tunnel, which is a good safety procedure. But what are the benefits of slowing traffic on a bypass when the purpose of a bypass is to afford better traffic flow!

It is pertinent to ask what type of survey was conducted at each location before the installation of speed cameras. What were the number of accidents, what type of accidents, are there other means of traffic calming devices installed, and are pedestrian crossing installed, what is the peak and average traffic flow?

The general guide to breaking is: at 60KMP thinking distance 2.5 Cars, braking 3.5 cars total stopping distance 6 cars and at 80KMP thinking distance 3.5 cars, braking 9.5 cars total 13 cars.

Therefore at 60 or 80 KMP traffic accidents are unavoidable only the severity might be reduced.

R Chetcuti

Feb 13th 2009, 10:56

I am stil baffled by why the speed limit has been reduced from 80kph (as per the highway code) to 60kph, on these main roads, which is the closest we have to having a motorway in Malta!

Anyone from the ADT care to explain?? or is it just another way to eat into people's pockets?

robert longo

Feb 13th 2009, 10:55

exactly what is meant by "based on traffic flow"?.The national speed limit is 80kmh(which is pretty slow anyway) so why are these sections being limited to 60 kmh? A cyclist can do more than that! a normal car will actually struggle to keep that speed on an upward incline in 5th gear....thus forcing lower gear....more fuel...... more exhaust..... has anyone actually tried driving at that speed? it also makes manouvering more dangerous.Also why is there a 70kmh limit on the zebbug -rabat road.....it's open countryside!......oh and the absurd 40kmh on the northbound ramp of mriehel bypass!(no speed camera there.....yet)
These are dual carriage way arterial roads and the national speed limit should apply.It would make fascinating reading if the ADT would deign to explain EXACTLY how they come to impose such limits.

Joseph Attard

Feb 13th 2009, 10:51

Cash traps!

The people who make these decisions should be fired! If the speed limits are 50 and 80 for inhabited and main roads respectively, why do we have a 60km/h limit? This one size fits all does not make sense! The camera limits should be 50 or 80 depending on where the camera is.

First we get prohibitive taxes (registration+circulation) on owning a decent car. Then we get these cash traps on our roads. The problem is that even the "tuna can" cars that the govt wants us to buy can reach 60km/h on 3rd gear!

Ikollok karozza hawn Malta qiek qed taghmel dnub mejjet!

Joseph

Nigel Lawrence

Feb 13th 2009, 10:48

In the UK, there are speed cameras even in residential areas (30 mph) where they entrap people sometimes doing 70! If one wishes to abuse the statutory speed limits it's at one's own risk.

I would like to see MORE cameras around to control the many boy racers which are out there.

Daniel Vella

Feb 13th 2009, 10:25

What traffic surveys??? The exercise was simple.. at 45Km/hr revenue was EurX at 70Km/hr Revenue was EurY therefore if we set the speed at 60Km/hr revenue will be EurZ. ADT will never manage to justify certain decisions as they are taken on gut feeling and not science. It seems the obscenity of putting cameras at tunnel exists is here to stay. Tunnel exits are the most crucial part of any tunnel. Driver vision is glared during the transition from a dark poorly lit tunnel. Putting a camera there would mean that the driver would have to keep an eye on the speedo and an eye on the car ahread - both very difficult operations if you have sun in your eyes. I wonder how much more will maltese drivers take before something is done. Statisitcs show us that with or without speed cameras, trafic fatalities still happen at the same rate and timing. Therefore yes i fully agree that speed cameras are only cash traps for government and private operators - our only weapon is to wait until they no longer milk enough cash - this is not fair at all! visit www.maltadrivers.org

Mario De Bono

Feb 13th 2009, 10:16

This is pure unadulterated, barefaced cheek from the Joint Commitees and their paid contractors and its a measure where desperate councils, who like spending money without any thought because at the end of the day they are not accountable enough, can rake in more money. These speed traps will make traffic crawl to a standstill. I thought Austin Gatt had more guts than this, he doesnt give in to anyone, except griping local councils. Or is this a way where councillors will now have the money to pay themselves, as is being proposed by the local council associations. Shame on you. Its time the motorist made his voice heard. motoring journalists, instead of printing glossy magazines to earn money from car importers ( because you paint every car out as being perfect with no flaws) , you may as well take a leaf out of Jeremy Clarkson's book and start writing about such things.

Phil Humphries

Feb 13th 2009, 10:13

The ADT official said these cameras were "set on the basis of traffic flow established in extensive traffic surveys", so why is there is no mention of Road Safety, or Accident Black Spots in this report ? Am I alone in thinking that safety issues are of no relevance when these electronic cash cows are set out to graze on the busiest roads. If I'm wrong in this assumption, then let us see some statistics that justify these cameras being sited so that the public can measure their efficacy over time. I may be cynical, but I would like to know how many less accidents there will be as a result of these cameras and how much revenue they generate.

Michael Ciavola

Feb 13th 2009, 10:13

Speed Cameras are indeed 'cash traps' and most times the victim is a prudent and careful driver. Local Council officials must start by practicing being good Citizens themselves and exercise reasonable tollerence to those who exceed by a minimal speed. I am a Senior Citizen and have been charged on the Bahar ic-Caghaq road more than once by the Pembroke Local Council once for exceeding speed by a mere 4kph that is insignificant. What does one consider safer, keeping eyes on the road or on the speedo, whilst one is cruising safely at relatively slow decent speed ? Stop being greedy and become more reasonable. Start hunting for wolves not for sheep.

Eric Camilleri

Feb 13th 2009, 10:04

This exercise clearly shows that speed cameras are not installed for the safety of pedestrians/drivers but are as described pure "Cash Traps". So much for "feasibility studies" cashwise ! A 60Km/hr limitation on major roads is a farse and the traffic flow studies are nothing more than an excuse. So we dwindle down to 40Km/hr when the number of cars increases again? An example of efficient Cash Traps is the speed limit at the Hal Far road along the airstrip, daily targetting the workers going on their way to the Hal Far factories. Nobody is against speed cameras perse as long as installed for safety reasons but motorists must say "NO" to ridiculous speed limits. Proof of false studies is the camera that is to be installed at Mdina Road close to Shopwise which is aimed simply at catching by surprise motorists coming along the bend further downhill. However the numerous factual pedestrian fatalities and very serious accidents further downhill in Mdina Road (about the Handaq Road junction) are of no concern to the Authorities that approve camera locations ! Did the €1.5 million from the Regional Road camera save any lives ? Pajjiz tal-Mickey Mouse !

John Xuereb

Feb 13th 2009, 10:04

Proof that this country is a farce. If the authorities were serious they'd be on the look out for those who hog the outer lane at 20 km/h, clueless that it's meant for overtaking, causing other drivers to swerve in and out . Incidentally, i just might buy a speed camera warning system when I'm next in the UK where they are available as i cannot keep track of all these speed cameras.

Chris Finch

Feb 13th 2009, 09:51

What is the justification in reducing the speed limit? There is none. What were the aims of the feasibility studies? To see how much traffic passed and a what speeds so as to ascertain how much to lower the limit by to get the most fines. Once again, the government is working out how to milk the people by as much as possible.

K Bonello

Feb 13th 2009, 09:46

I used to hate horse drawn cabs on major roads, now it seems that it is much more worth it to invest in horses and cabs than ever before. Can the ADT publish the feasibility studies?? It seems that the only feasibility is in local council's coffers.

Robert Cassar

Feb 13th 2009, 09:33

Wasal iz zmien biex nergaw narmaw il bal bil karetun nahseb! Fuel molla alla.. issa din ukoll!

Charlene Bugeja

Feb 13th 2009, 09:30

Unbelievable....these speed camera will only aid to cause more traffic considering that in some areas 60km/hr is completely ridicules. It is becoming increasingly uncomfortable living in Malta.

Brian Fenech

Feb 13th 2009, 09:27

So in UK they are removing speed cameras as studies shows that they don't save lives, Swindon town have removed all cameras from the streets. All the driver needs is to learn where the cameras are installed and they slow down in that point. And our genious ministers of Malta, installed 7 more!! Would it be much more better if they thoughen the laws concerning drink driving?

Brian Fenech

kenneth roberts

Feb 13th 2009, 09:23

60 kmph is way too slow for these main roads, its a joke,

Also as far as i know for a speed camera to be legal it must be highly visable, ie high visibilty reflective colour, signs etc, most of all you can not hide the camera behind a wall..... to my knowledge you can probably contest the cameras at the exits of the tunnels as they are pretty much hidden behind the walls

Shaun Camilleri

Feb 13th 2009, 09:20

Yeah so how about abolishing registration tax, reducing licences to the way they used to be last year, and use speed camera revenue to fund roads restructuring??

Nah that's not what happens in malta, we throw our money away doing endless sidewalks but not roads......and the driver keeps being ripped off.

The brits used to say that they moved to Malta coz it's a tax free haven, but now it seems like its gonna turn into a mega tax supermarket.

Most probably we'll soon be taxed on everything, apart from voting PN!!

How Disgusting!!