CANBERRA drivers now have free online access to camera images for all speeding and red-light offences captured on mobile and fixed cameras.

Access Canberra’s director of customer coordination Josh Rynehart said that until now drivers would need to request a camera image every time they received a speeding or red-light traffic infringement by sending an application to the Traffic Camera Office. The image related to the infringement would then be sent to them by post or email.

“Drivers don’t often have a good recollection of the offence for which they have been issued an infringement and this new initiative will assist drivers when paying fines or disputing infringements,” he said. 

“Drivers will only need to contact Access Canberra if the issue is complex.  For example, if they were not the driver they will need to complete a declaration form.

“Last calendar year 15 per cent of infringements were disputed or requested to be withdrawn. It’s expected that once drivers have the opportunity to view images online the number of traffic infringement appeals will decrease.”

Under the new system, drivers type in their unique image identification number and vehicle registration number at act.gov.au/speedcameraimage. Both numbers are on the infringement notice.

Mr Rynehart said online camera images would be available for viewing for 12 months from the offence date. There was no cost to drivers for viewing images. The new arrangements were made possible by the purchase of a new traffic camera office adjudication system.

“Not only does the new system have the functionality that allows clients to view camera images of offences online, it also provides clearer images and automatically checks for stolen vehicle and interstate number plates,” he said.