Average speed cameras are becoming increasingly common on NSW roads, designed to improve safety and reduce road trauma. Unlike fixed speed cameras that measure your speed at a single point, average speed cameras monitor your speed over a longer distance.

Understanding how these cameras work, and how to avoid falling foul of them, is essential for any NSW driver. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of average speed cameras, helping you stay safe and avoid those costly fines.

How Average Speed Cameras Work

Average speed cameras don't catch speeding at a single point. Instead, they work by:

  1. Measuring Entry and Exit: The cameras use sensors (often radar) to measure your speed as you enter a monitored zone and again as you exit the zone.
  2. Calculating Average Speed: The system calculates your average speed over the distance between the cameras.
  3. Enforcement: If your average speed exceeds the speed limit, you'll be issued a fine.

Where are Average Speed Cameras Located in NSW?

Average speed cameras are deployed in various locations throughout NSW. Common locations include:

  • Roadworks Zones: Average speed cameras are frequently used in roadworks zones to protect road workers and reduce the risk of accidents.
  • High-Risk Roads: On stretches of road known for a history of crashes.
  • Tunnels and Bridges: Average speed cameras are often used in tunnels and on bridges.
  • Motorways: Average speed cameras are used to ensure a steady speed throughout the journey.
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Scroll to the bottom (or click here) of the page for the full list of average speed camera locations.

How to Avoid Average Speed Camera Fines

  • Know the Speed Limit: Always be aware of the posted speed limit, especially in roadworks zones.
  • Maintain a Consistent Speed: Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration, especially within a monitored zone. Set your cruise control.
  • Check Your Speedometer: Make sure your speedometer is accurate and that you are driving within the limit.
  • Pay Attention to Signs: Be on the lookout for signs indicating the presence of average speed cameras.
  • Be Patient: Don't rush. Allow extra time for your journey, especially in roadworks zones.

Penalties for Speeding in NSW (Including Average Speed Camera Offences)

Speeding offences in NSW carry significant penalties. The specific fines and demerit points depend on how much you exceed the speed limit. Here's a general guide (this is subject to change; always check the latest regulations):

Offence Fine Demerit Points License Suspension
Exceed speed limit by 10 km/h or less $137 1 N/A
Exceed speed limit by more than 10 km/h $316 3 N/A
Exceed speed limit by more than 20 km/h $542 4 N/A
Exceed speed limit by more than 30 km/h $1,036 5 3 months minimum
Exceed speed limit by more than 45 km/h $2,794 6 6 months minimum

Key Takeaways

  • Be Vigilant: Average speed cameras are everywhere. Pay attention.
  • Stick to the Limit: The best way to avoid a fine is to stay within the speed limit.
  • Know the Rules: Be familiar with the locations of average speed cameras and the penalties for speeding.
  • Prioritize Safety: Remember that average speed cameras are there to improve road safety, not just to catch drivers.

Conclusion

Average speed cameras are an integral part of the NSW road safety strategy. By understanding how they work and taking responsible driving habits, you can avoid fines, demerit points, and, most importantly, contribute to safer roads for everyone.

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Have you ever received a fine from an average speed camera? Share your experience and driving tips in the comments below!

About the Author

  • Dylan Anderson is a Founder at CarExplore with years of experience researching and writing about Australian road rules and automotive safety. View my other articles here.

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State Transport Authority Resources

Average Speed Camera Locations

Number Road Section Approximate Length (km) Start of Warning Letter Period
1 Pacific Highway Between Harwood and New Italy 35 31/03/2010
2 Great Western Highway Between Meadow Flat and Raglan 26 31/05/2010
3 Federal Highway Between Goulburn and Collector 20 30/05/2011
4 Blackwall Drive Between Woodburn and Wardell 18 28/06/2011
5 Mitchell Highway Between Molong and Cundumbul 28 05/08/2011
6 Pacific Highway Between Nabiac and Taree 17 05/08/2011
7 Hume Highway Between Coolac and Bowning 72 26/08/2011
8 Hume Highway Between Gundagai and Coolac 16 26/08/2011
9 Monaro Highway Between Bredbo and Cooma 28 17/09/2011
10 Gwydir Highway Between Glen Innes and Inverell 57 25/10/2011
11 Oxley Highway Between Gunnedah and Tamworth 60 30/11/2011
12 Pacific Highway Between Port Macquarie and Kempsey 36 14/12/2011
13 New England Highway Between Muswellbrook and Aberdeen 7 16/12/2011
14 New England Highway Between Singleton and Muswellbrook 36 20/12/2011
15 Newell Highway Between Eumungerie and Gilgandra 30 22/12/2011
16 Newell Highway Between Peak Hill and Tomingley 10 22/12/2011
17 Golden Highway Between Sandy Hollow and Merriwa 28 01/03/2012
18 Pacific Highway Between Kew and Port Macquarie 15 17/08/2012
19 Pacific Highway Between Urunga and Valla 13 29/09/2012
20 Picton Road Between Wilton and Mt Keira 17 17/10/2012
21 Newell Highway Between Forbes and West Wyalong 94 22/03/2013
22 Mount Ousley Road Between Bulli and North Wollongong 15 28/01/2014
23 Pacific Highway Between Ballina and Wardell 16 05/02/2014
24 Pacific Highway / Blackwall Drive Between Tyndale and Harwood 21 05/02/2014
25 Great Western Highway Between Mount Victoria and Lithgow 11 19/01/2015
26 WestConnex M8 Tunnel Between St Peters and Kingsgrove 9 18/08/2020
27 M5 East Tunnel Between Arncliffe and Kingsgrove 4 13/10/2020
28 WestConnex M4 Tunnel Between Ashfield and Lidcombe 7 30/10/2020
29 NorthConnex Between West Pennant Hills and Wahroonga 9 27/11/2020
30 WestConnex M4-M8 Link Tunnel Between Ashfield and St Peters 10 21/01/2023
31 Rozelle Interchange Between Rozelle and Annandale/Leichhardt 24 06/03/2024
32 Cross City Tunnel Between Sydney and Darlinghurst 2 -
33 Eastern Distributor Between Zetland and Sydney 6 -
34 M2 Motorway Between Artarmon and Baulkham Hills 20 -
35 M5 Motorway Between Kingsgrove and Casula 23 -
36 M7 Motorway Between Baulkham Hills and Prestons 40 -
37 Sydney Harbour Tunnel Between Sydney and North Sydney 1 -