New South Wales (NSW) is ramping up its road safety measures by expanding the use of average speed cameras to monitor all vehicles, not just heavy trucks. The new initiative aims to reduce speeding-related accidents and enhance compliance with speed limits across the state’s highways.
Dylan Anderson
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) calculate a vehicle’s average speed over a longer stretch of road. This is achieved by recording a vehicle’s entry and exit times at two fixed points. If the calculated average speed exceeds the posted limit, the driver will receive a fine and accrue demerit points.
Where Are the Cameras Located?
The trial of average speed cameras for all vehicles is currently focused on two major NSW highways:
- Pacific Highway: Between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie)
- Hume Highway: Between Coolac and Gundagai
These locations were selected due to their history of road accidents. Between 2018 and 2022, these stretches of road recorded six fatalities and 33 serious injuries. Authorities hope that enforcing consistent speed compliance will significantly reduce these numbers.
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What Are the Penalties?
Speeding penalties in NSW vary depending on the severity of the offence. Here’s a quick breakdown of potential fines and demerit points:
| 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 |
Drivers caught speeding in these monitored zones will no longer receive warning letters, as the initial 60-day grace period has ended. All violations will now result in fines and demerit points.
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How to Avoid Penalties
To avoid penalties, drivers are advised to:
- Maintain a consistent, legal speed throughout the monitored section.
- Avoid attempting to “average out” speed by drastically slowing down after speeding.
- Be mindful of changing speed limits and road signs.
- Understand that these cameras operate 24/7 in all weather conditions.
A Step Forward in Road Safety
The expansion of average speed cameras is part of a broader strategy by the NSW government to align with other Australian states and global best practices. The focus is not only on punishing speed violations but also on promoting a culture of safe and responsible driving.
By encouraging steady and lawful speeds over longer distances, the new speed enforcement measures aim to create safer roads for everyone. Drivers should take this opportunity to reassess their habits and commit to safer driving practices every day.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
