New South Wales is taking a major step toward safer roads. It's expanding its average speed camera trial to all vehicles, not just trucks. Set to kick off in mid-2025, this initiative aims to cut speeding and reduce road deaths across the state. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend road-tripper, here’s what this change means for you.
Dylan Anderson
How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?
Unlike traditional speed cameras that snap your speed at one point, average speed cameras track you over a distance. They clock your entry and exit times on a monitored road section and then calculate your average speed. Exceed the limit, and you’re looking at a fine plus demerit points. It’s a system designed to catch consistent speeders rather than just momentary lapses.
Why Is This Happening?
Speeding is a killer in NSW, tied to 41% of road fatalities over the last 10 years. After seeing success with heavy vehicles, the government is betting on broader use to save lives. NSW Roads Minister John Graham put it simply: “If this tech can work for all drivers, not just truckies, it’s worth a shot.” The evidence lies in fewer crashes where these cameras already operate.
Dylan Anderson
Where Will They Be?
The trial targets two regional danger zones:
- Pacific Highway (Kew to Lake Innes, Port Macquarie): a 15 km stretch.
- Hume Highway (Coolac to Gundagai): a 16 km stretch.
These spots aren’t random. Between 2018 and 2022, they recorded six deaths and 33 serious injuries. Cameras here aim to reverse that trend.
Warnings Before Fines
No one’s out to blindside you. The trial includes a 60-day warning period: if you speed, you’ll get a letter instead of a fine. After that, enforcement begins with penalties and points. A major public awareness campaign will also launch to ensure you know the rules before they take effect.
What It Means for You
Get ready for stricter speed checks, especially on regional highways. These cameras don’t care about a quick slowdown; they track your pace the entire way. For NSW drivers, it’s a nudge to keep speeds steady, whether you’re heading to work or cruising the coast.
Dylan Anderson
How NSW Stacks Up
Other Aussie states like Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia already use average speed cameras for all vehicles. They have the stats to prove it works: fewer crashes and safer roads. Overseas, the UK and Norway are fans too. NSW is late to the party, but this trial could bring it up to speed.
The Bigger Picture
If this trial slashes speeding and saves lives, more cameras could appear across NSW. It’s a chance to match or even surpass Australia’s top road safety standards. For now, it’s a test run to make highways less risky.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Speeding is a risk not worth taking. With cameras watching and fines looming, 2025 is the time to rethink your driving habits. Safer roads start with smarter choices. Are you ready to step up?
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
