New South Wales to expand average speed camera use

Transport officials in New South Wales (NSW) are warning drivers about new speed camera rules starting May 1. Average speed cameras, which track vehicles over a distance, will begin monitoring all vehicles, not just heavy ones, in two areas known for frequent crashes. The areas affected will include a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway and a section of the Hume Highway. These cameras help reduce speeding by calculating a vehicle’s average speed between two points. Penalties will be enforced from July 1, allowing a two-month trial period where drivers caught speeding will only receive warning letters. Currently, speeding fines in NSW can be significant. Drivers exceeding the limit by more than 45km/h can face fines of up to $3,300 for light vehicles and $5,500 for heavy vehicles. A six-month license suspension is also possible for severe speeding offences. Road safety experts are urging stronger measures to address the rising number of road fatalities in Australia. Dr. Ingrid Johnston emphasized the effectiveness of average speed cameras in reducing severe accidents. Recent statistics show that speed contributes to 41% of road fatalities in the past decade. In 2024, Australia experienced its deadliest year on the roads in over ten years, with 1,300 fatalities. While some attribute this to population growth, the rate of deaths per 100,000 people has actually increased, indicating that other factors are contributing to the troubling trend. Officials hope that the upcoming changes to speed camera monitoring will help reduce road trauma and improve safety on NSW roads.