New South Wales is expanding its use of average speed cameras beyond heavy vehicles, with a new trial set to monitor all drivers on select highways. This initiative aims to improve road safety and ensure consistent speed compliance across longer distances.
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How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?
Unlike traditional speed cameras that capture a vehicle’s speed at a single location, average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, monitor a vehicle’s speed over an extended section of road.
Here’s how they operate:
- A camera at the starting point records your vehicle’s details and timestamp.
- A second camera at a later point does the same.
- The system calculates the time taken to travel between these two points and determines your average speed.
- If your average speed exceeds the posted limit, you may receive a fine and demerit points.
Where will they be located?
NSW Expands Average Speed Cameras to All Vehicles
Average speed cameras in NSW, previously limited to heavy vehicles, are now actively enforcing speed limits for all motorists. The system is fully operational on two major highways:
- Pacific Highway – Between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie)
- Hume Highway – Between Coolac and Gundagai
The initial 60-day warning period has ended, meaning drivers caught exceeding the speed limit in these zones will now receive fines and demerit points. Authorities stress that these cameras are designed to improve road safety by encouraging consistent speed compliance over long distances.
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Speeding Penalties in NSW
| Offence | Fine | Demerit Points | License Suspe-nsion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 mini-mum |
| Exceed speed limit by more than 45 km/h | $2,794 | 6 | 6 months mini-mum |
Source: Service NSW
How to Navigate Average Speed Zones
With this new enforcement method, drivers should keep these key points in mind:
- Maintain a steady, legal speed throughout the entire monitored section.
- Avoid attempting to "average out" your speed by slowing down after speeding—it’s ineffective and risky.
- Remember, these cameras operate 24/7, in all weather conditions.
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The Future of Speed Enforcement in NSW
As NSW aligns with other Australian states using average speed cameras for all vehicles, this shift signals a new era in road safety enforcement. Rather than targeting single instances of speeding, the system encourages consistent, safe driving over long distances.
With speed monitoring evolving, it’s crucial for drivers to stay informed and adjust their driving habits accordingly. Whether you’re on a daily commute or a long road trip, staying within the limit is more important than ever.
Stay safe and drive responsibly.
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Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
