The 10km/h speed camera ‘cash grab’: Huge new fines revealed

The NSW state government has raked in record revenue for speeding offences just weeks after making a U-turn on fixed warning signs.

The latest round of data from Revenue NSW has revealed drivers were slapped with 27,011 fines worth $4.7 million in September for travelling less than 10km over the limit.

That’s a dramatic jump compared to the 1,655 fines totalling just $204,214 in September 2019 when Sydneysiders were not subject to the strict stay-at-home orders that were in place when the most recent figures were collected.

One of six mobile speed camera units to be deployed across NSW from July 19, Sydney, Saturday, July 10, 2010. The units will be covert, cheaper to operate and more effective than fixed units, says the state government. Source: AAP
For back-to-back months, the NSW governent has raked in record revenue for low range speeding offences. Source: AAP

In August this year, almost $4 million was collected for low range speeding offences, which the NSW Opposition dubbed the “highest month on record” at the time.

A year’s worth of tickets in a month

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns has again lashed out, accusing the government of another blatant “cash grab”.

“The NSW government is collecting more from low range speeding fines in one month than they used to over 12 months,” Mr Minns said.

A stock image of a mobile speed camera in NSW. Source: Transport for NSW
The NSW government announced in August fixed warning signs for mobile speed cameras would be reintroduced across the state. Source: Transport for NSW

Warning signs fail to deter speeding

The jaw-dropping ticket tally comes just weeks after warning signs for mobile speed cameras were reintroduced across the state.

Earlier this year, the government backflipped on its decision to remove the signs after copping criticism from the NRMA.

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance announced around 1000 permanent signs would be rolled out throughout August to remind drivers to do the right thing and slow down.

Renewed call to scrap secret cameras

Shadow Minister for Roads John Graham slammed the policy as “bungled”, demanding portable warning signs be returned as well.

“We saw a moment where half the state are getting fined through the roof, while the other half hasn’t received any,” he said.

“We want the program fixed. We want warning signs re-instated and we want our roads to be safer."

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