Drivers warned of new fines ahead of major change to speeding cameras

Transport officials in New South Wales are set to expand the use of average speed cameras beyond heavy vehicles to include all motorists. This initiative, which will take effect on May 1, is aimed at curbing the rising number of road fatalities across the state.

Currently, average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, are used to only monitor heavy vehicles. However, cameras along two major highways – a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes, and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – will soon track the speeds of all vehicles, according to Transport for NSW.

These locations have been identified as high-risk crash zones. The implementation follows a steady rise in road fatalities across Australia in recent years, prompting authorities to take stronger measures against speeding.

Unlike traditional speed cameras that capture speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure a vehicle's speed over a set distance. By recording the time a vehicle passes through two fixed points, authorities can determine whether the vehicle exceeded the legal speed limit along that stretch. This method discourages drivers from merely slowing down for fixed cameras before speeding up again.

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NSW imposes significant penalties for speeding, with fines varying based on the severity of the offence. Light vehicle drivers caught exceeding the speed limit by more than 45 km/h face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, offenders risk a minimum six-month licence disqualification.

To ease the transition, the new enforcement system will undergo a two-month trial period. From May 1 to June 30, motorists caught exceeding speed limits in the designated areas will receive warning letters rather than fines. However, starting July 1, full penalties, including fines and demerit points, will apply.

Dr Ingrid Johnston, CEO of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) spoke recently about the need for more urgent measures to minimise road trauma. She has advocated for broader road safety initiatives, including speed cameras and reduced speed limits in areas with high pedestrian and cyclist activity.

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NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, also reinforced the importance of the initiative, citing global studies that show average speed cameras significantly reduce road injuries and fatalities. "We know that speed remains our biggest killer on the road, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade," he stated.

The government aims to ensure motorists are well-informed about the changes. All affected locations will feature warning signs, and a community awareness campaign will support the transition.

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