THE IMPACT OF SPEED CAMERA TECHNOLOGY ON SPEED LIMIT COMPLIANCE IN MULTI-LANE TUNNELS

This research aimed to test the impact of fixed-position speed camera technology on speed limit compliance in multi-lane tunnels. Driver speeding behaviour was examined both before and after fixed speed cameras were installed and enforcement was implemented in a multi-lane tunnel in Melbourne. Vehicle speed data were collected over two separate time periods, the first period representing speed and compliance behaviour before the introduction of cameras, and the second period representing behaviour after camera introduction and issuance of speed camera traffic infringement notices. In addition to collecting speed data at camera locations, both before and after camera operations had become prominent in the minds of drivers, corresponding speed measurements were collected at a suitable control location. The effectiveness of the fixed speed cameras was examined in terms of changes in average vehicle speeds and changes in the proportion of drivers not complying with the speed limit after implementation of speed camera enforcement. The effects of the speed camera enforcement in the tunnel were further examined according to the lane position of vehicle; the day of week of vehicle travel, and the times of day of vehicle travel.