Australia is facing a growing road toll crisis, and new measures are being urgently called for to tackle it. Among the most discussed reforms is the push for more point-to-point speed cameras, with New South Wales (NSW) already leading the way.
Dylan Anderson
Calls for Stronger Enforcement
Road safety advocates are sounding the alarm as road deaths rise across the country. In Queensland alone, 303 people lost their lives on the roads in 2024, with 2025 tracking to be even worse. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) has called for urgent reforms, including:
- More point-to-point speed cameras in high-risk crash zones.
- Increased police presence on the roads.
- Mandatory roadside drug testing after all crashes.
- Expanded hooning laws to seize vehicles for reckless speeding, drink-driving, and drug-driving offences.
"Speeding, drink driving and drug driving are the main killers on our roads," RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said. "We must rethink enforcement and deterrents for drivers breaking the rules."
What Are Point-to-Point Speed Cameras?
Point-to-point speed cameras, also known as average speed cameras, measure a vehicle's speed over a set distance. Cameras record the time a car passes two points, calculate its average speed, and fine drivers if they exceed the limit.
Unlike traditional fixed cameras, which catch speeding at a single location, these systems deter speeding across longer stretches of road. This makes them highly effective at improving safety in crash-prone zones, highways, and tunnels.
NSW is already expanding the use of these cameras, aiming to further reduce serious accidents and fatalities.'
Dylan Anderson
Changing Driver Behaviour
Despite increases in fines over recent years, authorities say risky driving behaviours are on the rise. Cooney warns that boosting fines alone hasn't worked: "Motorists need to know that if they do the wrong thing, they will be caught and will face significant consequences."
Before COVID-19, road fatalities in Australia were declining. If that trend had continued, Australia would now be closer to recording 200 annual deaths. Instead, 2024 saw 1,300 deaths, making it the deadliest year since 2012.
The alarming rise in road deaths has led many to argue for a stronger focus on law and order on the roads, particularly targeting speeding, distracted driving, and substance abuse.
Australia's Rising Road Toll
Recent research from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) shows a disturbing trend:
- 1,258 deaths on Australian roads in 2023.
- 1,300 deaths in 2024.
- 18.5% higher road toll than in 2021.
Authorities fear 2025 could see fatalities climb even higher, possibly reaching 350 deaths in Queensland alone.
Looking Ahead
As the national conversation around road safety continues to intensify, NSW's expansion of average speed cameras could serve as a model for the rest of Australia. With advocates pushing for immediate reforms, it is clear that bold, decisive action is needed to reverse the growing road toll and save lives.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
