New South Wales is to trial changing average speed cameras to monitor all vehicles instead of just heavy vehicles. All other mainland Australian states and the ACT already use average speed cameras for light vehicles as part of their speed enforcement programs.
The State Government says speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41% of all fatalities over the past decade.
Regional NSW is home to a third of the population, but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen.
Two trials will be conducted on limited stretches of highway in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improving safety, and preventing injuries and fatalities.
NSW is to trial using average speed cameras for cars, as well as trucks. PIC: Cizza
The trial areas are:
These two stretches have been chosen based on a number of factors, including known crash history. There was a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.
Trials are proposed to begin with a 60-day period in which speeding drivers will receive a warning letter rather than a fine before normal enforcement, including fines and demerit points, begin.
Road signs will alert all drivers that their speed is being monitored by average speed cameras on the trial stretches, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed as needed.
Legislation is needed to facilitate a trial phase, or any future decision for permanent use.
Safer Roads and Highways (SARAH), President, Peter Frazer said the group had been lobbying for the introduction of Point to Point (average speed camera) systems to apply to all vehicles in NSW for more than a decade.
“These cameras promote safer driving habits by encouraging drivers and riders to stick to the speed limit,” he said. “This not only lowers their risk of being involved in a serious crash, but also protects the lives and wellbeing of everyone on the road.”
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When I drive more carefully- I get told that my Speedo could be out by 5-6 kms per hour. Amazing how my Speedo is correct t when there is a police af in the pack and everyone behaves themselves.
Average speed cameras apply to trucks, some RV rigs are almost as big as trucks these days, therefore they should be monitored as well.