NSW Government Expands Average Speed Cameras to All Motorists

Motorists on two major New South Wales highways will soon face speeding fines from average speed cameras, as the state government expands their use beyond heavy vehicles.

How Do Average Speed Cameras Work?

Unlike traditional fixed cameras, which capture a vehicle’s speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure speed over a set distance, providing a more comprehensive assessment of a driver’s compliance with speed limits.

A Change Decades in the Making

NSW has operated 31 active average speed camera zones since 2010, but until now, they have only applied to heavy vehicles. In September 2024, the NSW Government announced a two-month trial, monitoring all vehicles in two locations:

• A 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Port Macquarie
• A 16km section of the Hume Highway between Gundagai and Coolac

Trial Timeline and Enforcement

The trial officially begins on May 1, 2025, with a 60-day warning period. Motorists exceeding the speed limit by 30km/h or less will receive warnings during this phase. However, those caught driving more than 30km/h above the limit will face fines immediately.

From July 1, 2025, these zones will enforce all speeding offences for all vehicle types, with penalties aligning with NSW’s standard fines:

• 31km/h to 44km/h over the limit – $1097 fine and five demerit points
• 45km/h or more over the limit – $2959 fine, six demerit points, and an immediate six-month licence suspension

The trial will run until June 30, 2026, after which the NSW Government will report its findings to Parliament.

Why the Change?

This decision aligns NSW with other Australian states and territories that already fine all motorists using average speed cameras. The government’s decision to test these measures in regional areas follows concerning road safety statistics:

• 127 fatalities occurred in 110km/h speed zones between 2018 and 2022
• Six deaths happened within the new camera trial zones
• In existing average speed camera zones, 80% of road fatalities involved vehicles other than heavy trucks

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, emphasized the importance of improving safety in regional NSW, where two-thirds of the state’s road deaths occur.

Raising Awareness

To ensure motorists are well-informed, the NSW Government is launching a communications strategy using print, radio, social media, roadside signs, and mobile billboards. Additionally, clear warning signs will be placed before enforcement zones.

With the NRMA involved in reviewing the trial, drivers will have a voice in assessing its impact. As NSW moves toward broader use of average speed cameras, the focus remains on improving road safety for all.

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Credit: CarExpert.com.au