Australia is embracing a new wave of speed camera technology as state governments step up efforts to reduce road fatalities and improve enforcement. From Tasmania to New South Wales, the shift reflects a broader national trend of modernising road safety infrastructure to combat speeding and dangerous driving.
Dylan Anderson
The latest milestone comes from Tasmania, where new high-tech cameras have gone live on the Tasman Bridge. Replacing outdated systems from the 1990s, the Sensys Gatso speed cameras are now detecting more than 700 speeding offences per week. In contrast, the previous system recorded just 624 speeding incidents across all of 2020–21.
According to a spokesperson from Tasmania's Department of State Growth, the new system is designed to detect multiple vehicles across all bridge lanes simultaneously, dramatically improving enforcement. “The new technology will detect speeding vehicles in all bridge lanes and multiple vehicles at once, making them a strong speeding deterrent,” they said.
Now fully operational, the upgraded cameras allow drivers to view images and footage of alleged offences through the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management's road user portal.
Tasmania Follows National Shift in Speed Enforcement
Tasmania is not alone in updating its road safety tools. Other states are also enhancing enforcement:
- New South Wales is trialling average speed cameras for all vehicles starting May 1, moving beyond their previous focus solely on heavy vehicles.
- Victoria continues to expand its mobile speed camera network, increasing coverage and operational hours.
- Queensland has rolled out AI-enabled cameras capable of detecting mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance.
- Western Australia launched six new mobile speed cameras in late 2024 and is preparing to install four 'smart cameras' on Perth freeways.
Authorities in WA point to the urgency of the upgrades following a 10-year high in road fatalities, with 190 lives lost in 2024 alone.
Dylan Anderson
Speed Cameras Still a Hot Topic
While some Australians view speed cameras as a revenue-raising measure, road safety experts maintain their effectiveness. The NSW Government reports a 40% drop in fatal crashes where average speed cameras have been installed. Other jurisdictions show similar reductions in serious injuries and fatalities linked to automated enforcement.
Experts argue that speed remains a major contributor to road trauma, and new technologies offer a targeted, data-driven way to address the problem. With faster detection and real-time monitoring, authorities hope these systems will discourage dangerous driving habits and promote safer roads nationwide.
As the data continues to support their use, Australia’s investment in smarter, more efficient speed camera infrastructure looks set to continue – helping protect lives while shaping the future of road safety enforcement.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
