By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE installation of a red light camera at a hazardous Narre Warren intersection has been given the green light.
The camera, which will detect speeding drivers and those running red lights, is to be installed at the Narre Warren North and Ernst Wanke roads intersection after being recently approved by Victoria Police’s Fixed Camera Site Selection Committee.
This followed a vigorous local campaign, which saw a 400-signature petition presented to State Parliament last year.
The camera is expected to be up and running by August 2015.
Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, who presented the petition to Parliament, said the notorious intersection had been “dangerous for years.”
“Its proximity to Mary MacKillop Primary School has meant children have been in danger of getting run over by speeding motorists who run red lights,” he said.
“Motorists who threaten the lives of local kids and other residents will now be held accountable. There is no excuse for running red lights, especially around a school.”
Mr Donnellan said local residents such as Debbie Hall were instrumental in campaigning for the red light camera.
“Residents deserve to feel safe on our roads, whether they are in a car, on a bike or walking to and from school,” he said.
“It’s a testament to what can be achieved when the local community come together to support a cause.”
A spokesperson for Police Minister Kim Wells said the road safety cameras at the Narre Warren intersection will be switched on after a comprehensive testing regime under live traffic conditions.
“Allowing for tender, contract award, construction and testing of the site, it is expected that enforcement will begin around August 2015,” the spokesperson said.
“Enforcement will not take place until Victoria Police and the Department of Justice are satisfied the cameras are operating correctly.”
The Narre Warren camera is one of four new sites recently endorsed for camera installation, the others including Kingsbury, Forrest Hill and Ringwood.
