The NSW Government has announced a point-to-point speed camera will be installed on the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, one of this region’s most notorious accident black spots.
It will be one of several speed cameras introduced along a 15km stretch of highway between Mount Victoria and Old Bowenfels near Lithgow.
Point-to-point enforcement works by measuring the amount of time it takes a heavy vehicle to drive a certain length and then calculates the vehicle’s average speed.
The number of cameras and their locations will be determined following a site assessment and a timeframe for installation is yet to be set by Roads and Maritime Services.
Member for Blue Mountains Roza Sage and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the NSW Government has listened to the Blue Mountains and the wider Central West community’s call for action following four fatal heavy vehicle crashes at Victoria Pass since January 2007.
“This steep section of road has for too long been a black spot for serious crashes and point-to-point speed enforcement along with a series of roadway upgrades will make all motorists safer,” Mrs Sage said.
Recent Victoria Pass road safety improvements included installation of a concrete median at a sharp lower bend, widening of the roadway and new guardrails.
The approximate $1.8 million cost of installing the speed cameras will come from an already-allocated $30 million Mount Victoria to Lithgow safety upgrades budget.
Blackheath Highway Action Group president Michael Paag welcomed the announcement, telling the Gazette point-to-point speed camera technology is particularly suitable for Victoria Pass.
“Former Mt Victoria Highway Action Group president Rory Mack and I have been calling for speed cameras to be installed at Victoria Pass since 2008,” Mr Paag said.
“We are very happy about this announcement because according to a crash data report for Victoria Pass released by the former Roads and Traffic Authority, speed was the main contributing factor in accidents.”