Speed camera shock

7News Investigation: Hundreds of speed cameras in NSW are more than earning their keep with fines raised by robots now double those issued by traffic police.

However, experts have questioned the road safety value and argue real cops do more to improve driver behaviour.

Over 1000 drivers are snapped speeding every day and October was the highest-ever month for camera revenue with speed cameras raising over $9.65million.

That same month traffic cops raised less than half: just over $4m, a record low.

The only time that figure has been lower was when police officers were on strike.

Shadow Roads minister Ryan Park insisted “The best way we can improve driver behaviour is by detecting them with NSW police officers - pulling them up at the time they do something wrong."

NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury added: “The best way to stop that sort of behaviour isn't by putting cameras up, though they do have a role to play. It's about making sure there are more police on the roads."

However, the O’Farrell government denies the revenue rise is caused by fixed cameras being used as cash cows.

And Marg Prendergast of the Centre for Road Safety added: “They are growing in number because we are rolling out red lights and we are turning on speed.”

Officers say improved safety strategies are not only helping reduce police detections, but this year’s road toll too.

Stuart Smith of the Traffic and Highway patrol said: “It’s almost 70 per cent lower than 2010 and about 40 per cent lower than the three-year average.”