Noise cameras closer for tunnel

Southbank residents should prepare for a good night’s sleep as VicRoads is closer to implementing permanent noise cameras at the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel.

The area has long been plagued by truck drivers using their engine brakes as they approach the tunnel.

Local resident David Jones has been at the forefront of the solution and sent his first letters of concern to authorities in 2007. He wants to make sure everything possible is being done to minimise the noise.

 “The truck drivers choose to use their engine brakes rather than the normal wheel brakes, as this saves wear and tear on the wheel brakes, and therefore saves money for the truck operators,” Mr Jones said.

“Normally, engine brakes in themselves are not overly noisy and excessive engine brake noise is mainly the result of sub-standard, cheap or defective mufflers.”

In 2010 the Herald Sun featured a piece on a mobile noise camera system but VicRoads vehicle management and safety director Don Hogben said the system was not suitable for Southbank.

“Unfortunately, the mobile camera cannot be used at some locations, including the Burnley Tunnel entrance, for operator safety and other reasons,” Mr Hogben said.

Mr Hogben has revealed that permanent static noise cameras are expected to be in place by early next year.

The latest development in technology is set to provide some relief for Southbank residents.

“VicRoads appreciates community feedback and is currentlydeveloping a static noise camera system,” Mr Hogben said.

“This will enable the remote monitoring of excessively noisy trucks at locations that are unsuitable for a mobile camera.”

“The static noise camera prototype is expected to be complete and ready for testing in November 2011, with installation near the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel expected to be complete in early 2012,” Mr Hogben said.

Mr Jones said the problem affected many residents within Southbank, including: “Several high-rise apartment buildings along Kavanagh St and Southbank Blvd, and low-rise apartment complexes in Kavanagh St, Southbank Blvd, Sturt St and Moore St.”

“In all, thousands of families in this area are affected,” Mr Jones said.