Revealed: New speed camera rule after $20m 'cash grab'

Fixed warning signs for mobile speed cameras will be reintroduced across NSW, after the state government raked in record revenue in fines.

Secret speed cameras have collected more than $20 million in low level speeding fines since the signs were taken away last November.

May marked the highest month on record, with motorists slugged $4 million in fines for speeding offences less than 10km per hour, according to new data from Revenue NSW.

Following criticism from the NRMA and accusations of “a blatant cash grab” by the NSW Opposition, the government has backflipped on its secret camera strategy.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance has announced around 1000 permanent static signs will be rolled out to remind drivers to do the right thing.

“We are already seeing a change in driver behaviour, with three and a half drivers caught by the cameras per hour of enforcement in June, compared with five drivers per hour in February, and we want that downward trend to continue with these new signs,” Mr Constance said.

“Speeding is the biggest killer on our roads, with almost 50 per cent of fatalities last year caused by someone travelling at an inappropriate speed. This year that has already dropped to around 40 per cent.”

Calls for end to secret speed cameras

The NSW Labor Opposition also wants portable warning signs returned, claiming today’s announcement doesn’t go far enough to make drivers slow down.

“We all want to see drivers slow down and our roads safer. But the data is showing clearly that warning signs work to change driver behaviour and the fact the Government is now putting signs back up is proof of this,” NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns said.

“It’s time for the NSW Government to go the full hog and put warning signs ahead of mobile speed cameras back on our roads.”

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Fine revenue reinvested into road safety

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, has defended the dramatic multi-million-dollar rise in fines, saying revenue collected goes towards lifesaving road safety infrastructure.

“Every dollar goes to the Community Road Safety Fund which is reinvested back into road safety, including audio tactile line markings, flexible safety barriers, wide centre lines, speed humps and raised pedestrian crossings,” Mr Toole said.

“Whether you are travelling far from home or just around the corner, please stick to the speed limit, drive safely to keep yourself and others safe, and remember you can be caught anywhere, anytime.”

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