New Trial for Average Speed Cameras in NSW: Aiming to Reduce Road Fatalities

The New South Wales (NSW) Government is set to launch an innovative trial aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing speeding among motorists. Unlike other mainland states in Australia, which have already implemented average speed cameras for all vehicle types, NSW has restricted their use to heavy vehicles only—until now. This upcoming trial represents a significant shift in strategy as the state looks to combat its rising road toll, which has reached 227 fatalities so far this year, an increase from the same time last year.

Understanding Average Speed Cameras

Average speed cameras work by calculating how fast a vehicle has traveled between two designated points. If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit during this distance, it is photographed and logged for potential penalties. In this trial, road signs will notify motorists that their speed is being monitored, and offending drivers will receive a letter instead of an immediate fine or demerit points. This approach is designed to encourage compliance and behavioral change rather than simply penalizing drivers.

Targeting Regional Roads

The trial will take place over a period of 60 days on two regional highway stretches known for their crash history: a 15-kilometer stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (near Port Macquarie) and a 16-kilometer stretch of the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai. These areas have been selected due to their concerning statistics, with regional roads accounting for two-thirds of road fatalities in NSW.

A Response to Rising Road Toll

Minister for Roads, John Graham, emphasized that NSW is unique in its current approach to average speed cameras. “All other mainland Australian states and countries like the UK, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands have found average speed cameras to be effective,” he said. The intent of the trial is to gather robust data that can demonstrate a reduction in road trauma and fatalities, particularly given that speeding has been identified as the leading cause of fatal crashes in NSW—accounting for 41% of such incidents over the past decade.

Support from the NRMA

The NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) has long supported the use of average speed cameras for heavy vehicles and noted a meaningful reduction in related fatalities since their introduction in 2010. NRMA director of policy and public affairs, Robert Giltinan, stated, “While average speed cameras were originally installed and targeted at heavy vehicles, it’s not unreasonable to investigate the opportunity to reduce the incidence of light vehicles speeding.”

Giltinan further pointed out the broader implications of road fatalities, which impact families, friends, and communities. The NRMA is collaborating with community members, industry stakeholders, and government officials to utilize data and evolving technologies to further reduce the road toll.

Looking Ahead

As the trial approaches its expected start date in mid-2025, it has already garnered support from road safety experts across the country. The NRMA will play a crucial role in interpreting the collected data and making recommendations to the government regarding the trial's effectiveness in preventing speeding and reducing crashes. Ultimately, the goal is to foster positive behavioral change among drivers—encouraging them to adhere to speed limits for their safety and that of others on the road.

This initiative marks a proactive step for NSW in addressing the critical issue of road safety. As the trial unfolds, the hope is that it will pave the way for more comprehensive measures to keep our roads safer for everyone.