why are australian cops so strict on speed?

[ozpacman]

Originally Posted by Electrolyte Burns

I was over in WA a few years ago when I heard the top cop of the state being interviewed, on the radio, about speed camera revenue.
It was down about 6 Million on the year before.
His attitude was not "The speed cameras are working for us as the offences are down"
It was "Oh what will we do we have just lost 6 Million"
So blatant as to be nauseating.
Says it all really.

I find that a bit odd EB.

Firstly, state police departments don't receive the money from speed camera fines. It goes into the respective state government's consolidated revenue fund.

Secondly, it would be most unusual for a 'top cop' from any jurisdiction to complain in the media about a multi million dollar loss of revenue from traffic fines. That would be career suicide.

I worked in police media and public affairs for many years, so have a reasonable understanding of how the game is played!