The NSW Government is set to expand average speed camera enforcement to all vehicles in a landmark trial beginning May 1, 2025. This move aims to curb road fatalities and promote safer driving across the state.
Dylan Anderson
What Is Changing?
Currently, average speed cameras in NSW only enforce speed limits for heavy vehicles. However, studies show that 80% of serious crashes on roads with average speed cameras involve light vehicles. The new trial will monitor all motorists, ensuring consistent speed compliance over long distances.
Where Will the Cameras Be Activated?
The trial will focus on two major highway sections known for frequent accidents:
- Pacific Highway: 15km stretch between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie)
- Hume Highway: 16km stretch between Coolac and Gundagai
Between 2018 and 2022, these locations recorded six fatalities and 33 serious injuries. Authorities believe expanding speed enforcement will significantly reduce road trauma.
Dylan Anderson
How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?
Unlike standard speed cameras that capture speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure speed over a set distance.
- A camera records the time you enter a monitored zone.
- A second camera captures your exit time.
- The system calculates your average speed over that distance.
- If your average speed exceeds the posted limit, you’ll receive a fine and demerit points.
When Will Enforcement Begin?
- May 1 – June 30, 2025: Drivers will receive warning letters instead of fines.
- July 1, 2025: Full enforcement begins, with fines and demerits issued to offenders.
What Are the Penalties for Speeding?
| Offence | Fine | Demerit Points | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exceed speed limit by 10km/h or less | $137 | 1 | No |
| Exceed speed limit by 10-20km/h | $316 | 3 | No |
| Exceed speed limit by 20-30km/h | $542 | 4 | No |
| Exceed speed limit by 30-45km/h | $1,036 | 5 | Minimum 3-month suspension |
| Exceed speed limit by 45km/h+ | $2,794 | 6 | Minimum 6-month suspension |
Dylan Anderson
Why Is NSW Making This Change?
The NSW Government has identified speeding as the leading cause of road deaths, responsible for 41% of fatalities in the past decade. The state is also the only jurisdiction in Australia where average speed cameras do not monitor all vehicles. This move aligns NSW with global trends in road safety.
International studies show that average speed enforcement reduces serious crashes by:
- 49% (Norway, 2015 study)
- 36% (UK, 2016 study)
In NSW, crashes involving heavy vehicles dropped by 50% at locations with existing average speed cameras.
What This Means for NSW Drivers
With full enforcement starting July 1, 2025, all drivers must:
- Maintain steady, legal speeds in monitored zones.
- Avoid attempting to "average out" speed by slowing down only before exit points.
- Watch for clear signage warning of speed camera zones.
The government will review the trial’s impact in 2026 before deciding whether to make it a permanent enforcement measure.
Dylan Anderson
CarExplore's Thoughts
The NSW average speed camera trial represents a major shift in speed enforcement, bringing it in line with other Australian states. With a focus on reducing road trauma, this initiative emphasizes safer driving habits across the board. As the trial period begins, motorists are encouraged to stay informed and drive responsibly to avoid penalties and contribute to safer roads for all.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
