Residents living near the downhill run of Mt Ousley Road have complained about the heavy vehicle noise - and the camera that is doing nothing to stop it.
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On Saturday the Mercury reported that a noise camera installed on the southbound side of the M1 in 2009 has not issued a single infringement notice for excessive brake noise.
A Transport for NSW spokesman said this was because there was no legislation governing noise from excessive brake use.
Keira MP Ryan Park pointed out that passing legislation is the job of government and they should just do it.
The story drew plenty of attention on the Mercury's Facebook page, including some from residents who have had enough of the noise.
"This camera is a joke," said Jules Panozzo.
"I live several streets away and the noise is so loud. It's not even situated on the right spot on the road where air brakes are applied. What is the point of it? Does nothing to reduce the noise."
Margie Starr said she lived on Irvine Street near the university and found the noise so loud "I swear they are in my house sometimes".
The other side of the coin came from those who felt, if you live near the motorway, you shouldn't be surprised by traffic noise.
"You move into an area knowing trucks use the road," said Kellie Moodie. "You are going to get noise."
Truck driver Wade Cattley said needing to use his brakes trumped residents' peace and quiet.
"If I want to use my exhaust brakes while going down a steep hill with 30 tonnes pushing me down, I bloody well will, because I'd rather be noisy than dead," he said.
Others suggested placing the camera on the flattest section of the road wasn't a great idea.
"It's near the most level part of the downhill run," wrote Nik Visnic. "Of course there will be no fines issued."
It's a sentiment Joel Murray agreed with.
"If it has never issued a fine then it is 100 per cent achieving its goal of making truckers keep the noise down at that particular spot," he said.
"Though it's in the most pointless spot possible on a flat section."
And plenty of people were just surprised to find out it wasn't a speed camera.
"That's why it never catches me speeding," joked Alice Elizabeth.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
