“We’ve heard loud and clear from the community on this issue, which is why we’re making these important changes.”
snapshot
- Warning approach points restored.
- The decision was made based on feedback from motorists.
- To slow down drivers in dangerous areas, don’t increase revenue.
The NSW Government will reinstate warning signs at mobile speed camera locations from 1 January 2023.
As before the Covid-19 pandemic, any mobile speed camera will require a warning sign before and after the vehicle, as well as a roof-mounted indicator.
Metropolitan Roads Minister, Natalie Ward, said: “We have listened to extensive community feedback and from January 1 next year, all mobile speed cameras will include portable warning signals to and from enforcement sites.”
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Mobile speed cameras in NSW
The decision is in response to concerns from communities and motorists about the optics of hidden mobile speed cameras that have been in place in NSW since 2010, although they have recently been the subject of controversy.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, warning signs in front of speed camera locations and on car roofs were removed and some completely unmarked MG ZS small SUVs were seen on the roads. In the meantime, the minimum speeding penalty limit has also dropped.
The result was more than double the revenue from speeding fines compared to the previous financial year.Despite 274 road deaths between September 2021-2022 – a tragic 21 more than the previous year.
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The NSW Government listened to the backlash against hidden cameras. By April 2022, changes were made to aid visibility, starting with markings above mobile cameras.
In September 2022, the NSW Government introduced new guidelines to prevent mobile speed cameras from ‘hiding’ behind trees, poles or parked cars.
Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Sam Farraway, said: “We have had a number of instances where mobile speed cameras have been placed behind trees or poles, making it difficult for drivers to see the mobile speed cameras operating in the area. It’s become harder to stay alert,” said Sam Farraway.
“I want motorists to slow down, drive within the speed limit and reach their families safely.
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“These additional warning signs will help educate drivers in real-time, giving them advance warning to slow down at these high-risk points on our road network.
“In fact, nearly two-thirds of speeding drivers or riders involved in fatal and serious injury accidents over the past five years were traveling at less than 10 km/h, the posted speed limit,” Mr. Farraway added.
NSW to continue with hidden phone detection cameras
How does NSW compare to other states?
NSW may be listening to motorists regarding its hidden mobile speed cameras, but other Australian states are not changing their ways.
Victoria continues with unmarked mobile cars, adding 150 to its fleet in mid-2021 to boost revenue.
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The Queensland government is trialling cameras disguised as roadworks machinery and portable speed signs in metro areas by August 2022.
South Australia is also notorious for detecting hidden speeds with highly secretive methods that include devices that are in the car’s bumper without any indicator.