Australia’s network of speed cameras has grown significantly since the first mobile trials back in 1985. What started as a safety initiative has now become a critical part of road enforcement across the country. And when it comes to speed camera density, New South Wales leads the nation.
Dylan Anderson
A Brief History of Speed Cameras in Australia
Speed cameras were first trialled in Victoria in the mid-1980s. Although early results showed little change in crash frequency, fixed speed cameras were rolled out by 1990. By 1991, Victoria alone had 54 radar cameras operating. Fast forward to today, and speed cameras are now a familiar sight nationwide, contributing significantly to government revenue and road safety.
Where Australia Stands Globally
Australia ranks 14th in the world for the number of speed cameras, according to the Speed Camera DataBase (SCDB). With 1,480 cameras nationwide, Australia is just ahead of Argentina. However, Brazil takes the global top spot with a staggering 19,141 cameras.
Australia's Heaviest Speed Camera Zone: NSW
The most heavily monitored stretch of road in Australia is located in Western Sydney. Starting at King Georges Road in Beverly Hills and continuing onto Roberts Road, drivers will pass through eight speed cameras in just 5.2 kilometres.
- Most are red-light speed cameras.
- Two are dedicated school-zone cameras.
- At just 9km/h over the limit, a driver could cop $1160 in fines and eight demerit points in less than ten minutes.
This makes it the most speed camera-heavy route in the country.
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Other States and Their Hotspots
Victoria
Melbourne's Barkly Street to Punt Road stretch isn't far behind NSW. In just 7.6 kilometres, drivers can encounter eight fixed speed cameras. Barkly Street in St Kilda connects to Punt Road northbound, making it one of Victoria’s most heavily policed corridors.
South Australia
In North Adelaide, Lower Portrush Road and Portrush Road pack six speed cameras into a 7.4 kilometre drive. Many of these are positioned in school zones, making vigilance essential.
Western Australia
Although WA doesn't publicly list all camera locations, Tonkin Highway is known for having five fixed cameras across an 81km stretch. Additionally, 22 mobile speed camera sites can be deployed at any time along the route.
Queensland
On the Gold Coast, Southport Burleigh Road holds the record, featuring four speed cameras over 8.8 kilometres. There's also a red-light camera at the Cottesloe Drive intersection.
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Northern Territory
The Stuart Highway is home to the majority of the NT's fixed speed cameras, with 13 cameras stretched along its vast 1,790km length.
Tasmania and ACT
Both regions rely more on mobile speed cameras rather than fixed ones:
- Tasmania has just eight fixed sites and 16 mobile cameras.
- ACT operates nine fixed sites and 10 mobile vans.
Why Speed Cameras Matter
While many Australians debate whether speed cameras are for revenue or safety, authorities argue that they save lives. Studies continue to show that speed cameras reduce both the number and severity of crashes.
In NSW, average speed cameras have helped cut fatal crashes by 40%. Nationwide, lower speed limits and tougher enforcement are considered key tools in the push to reduce road trauma.
Remember: Whether you agree with them or not, speed cameras are here to stay. Staying alert and obeying speed limits isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about keeping everyone safe on the road.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
