The number of speeding fines being issued in Canberra's city centre, where speed limits were recently lowered, shows a campaign to inform motorists of the change failed, the opposition's spokesman on transport says.
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Mark Parton told the Legislative Assembly the poor communication of the speed changes had led to an "extremely perverse outcome".
"Thousands of individuals have been penalised and I think it's pretty clear that the vast majority of those, there was certainly no intent to break to the law. So irrespective of the signage, and irrespective of any information campaign, it's clear that that campaign did not work," Mr Parton said in an adjournment speech on Tuesday.
Three speed cameras in the zone - on Northbourne Avenue, Barry Drive and London Circuit - made at least $1.6 million a week last month, with more than 18,400 infringements issued in three weeks.
Mr Parton, a member for Brindabella, said the cameras were making 44 times more than the next top-earning camera, which captures northbound traffic on the Monaro Highway at Hume.
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Mr Parton said constituents had written to him to say they had received multiple fines as they were unaware the speed limits had changed.
One disability support pensioner who said she was an "overly cautious, over-the-top safe driver" had received a fine which she was unable to pay, with just $1.29 to her name, Mr Parton said.
The ACT government has previously defended the work done in the lead up to the introduction of new speed limits, saying an extensive communication campaign was launched and there were a number of signs informing motorists of the limits.
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