Among the many road safety programs of the New South Wales (NSW) Government, mobile speed cameras are the most efficient and convenient.
The road to safety is long and winding, with many hazards. One of the most significant hazards is speeding. In NSW, Australia, speeding is a major factor in road crashes, aside from driving while using a mobile phone or drunk driving
That’s why the NSW Government is taking action to reduce speeding by implementing a camera system for a speeding vehicle or vehicles. One of the key strategies is the use of automated enforcement. Automated enforcement uses cameras to detect speeding vehicles and issue fines. This type of enforcement is effective in reducing speeding and improve road safety effectively.
But automated enforcement is not just about catching speeders. It’s also about sending a message that speeding is not acceptable. When people see speed cameras, they are more likely to obey the speed limit. This helps to keep everyone safe on the roads.
Of course, automated enforcement is not the only solution to speeding. Drivers also need to educate themselves about the dangers of speeding and the importance of obeying the speed limit. The NSW Government is working to do this through various programs, including implementing mobile speed cameras.
What are Mobile Speed Cameras?
Mobile speed cameras in NSW are vehicles that are equipped with speed cameras. They can monitor traffic and detect speeding vehicles. Mobile speed cameras can be moved around to different camera locations, which makes them unpredictable and effective in deterring speeding. Traditionally, cameras took photos after the car passed them. However, newer technology allows them to shoot through the rear glass of the camera car.
These cameras use a variety of technologies to detect speeding vehicles. Some cameras use radar to measure the speed of vehicles, while others use laser technology. Once the camera detects a vehicle speeding, it will take a photograph of the vehicle’s license plate. This photograph then identifies the driver and issues a speeding fine.
Mobile speed cameras are part of the NSW Automated Enforcement Strategy for road safety. They support police operations and other types of camera enforcement in NSW.
How Is Speeding Detected?
The government can detect speeding through:
- fixed speed cameras
- mobile speed cameras
- police.
Your vehicle’s colour, model, make, and license plate will be readily visible on the video if you are stopped for speeding by mobile speed cameras.
Speed cameras will also record the:
- date of the offence
- time of the offence
- location details of the camera that took the picture
- direction of travel of the offending vehicle
- speed of the offending vehicle
- speed limit of the road where the camera is situated
- other security and integrity parameters.
Moreover, Transport for NSW carries out thorough testing regularly to make sure the mobile and fixed speed cameras are accurate and up to code. To know more about speeding offences and their penalties, check out our blog here.
Why Is There a Need For Mobile Speeding Cameras?
There are three benefits of implementing mobile speeding cameras in Australia’s roads:
- enhances road safety by reducing speeding
- acts as a deterrent for reckless driving
- generates revenue for state governments
Enhances Road Safety
Mobile speed cameras can deter drivers from speeding by making them aware that they are being monitored. This can lead to a reduction in the number of drivers who exceed the speed limit, which can, in turn, reduce the number of crashes.
In all domestic and many foreign jurisdictions, enforcement cameras are utilised to lessen the trauma caused by traffic accidents. Additionally, they assist drivers in slowing down and abstaining from risky actions like running red lights.
In addition, it makes roads safer for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. This is because they can help to reduce the number of crashes, which can lead to a reduction in the number of injuries and fatalities.
Deterrent for Reckless Driving
These cameras are branded as deterrents for reckless driving because of three reasons:
- They make drivers aware that they are being monitored. This can lead to drivers slowing down and driving more carefully.
- Mobile speed cameras can be unpredictable. Drivers may not know where they will be placed, so they are less likely to speed in anticipation of being caught.
- There will be warning signs. Drivers can see portable warning signs reminding them to obey the speed limit.
Generates Revenue for State Governments
Fines from mobile speeding cameras generate revenues for the state government of NSW. For the financial year 2021-2022, the NSW government collected $82.4 million in revenue from mobile speeding cameras alone. Moreover, the government collected nearly nine times as much money from mobile speed camera fines in January 2021 compared to the same month in the year 2020.
The revenue from mobile speeding cameras is a valuable resource for road safety in NSW. It helps fund programs and initiatives that make our roads safer.
Furthermore, the NSW government has stated that they do not use the revenue from mobile speeding cameras to fund general government expenses. Instead, it funds road safety programs and initiatives specifically designed to reduce speeding and make our roads safer.
Are There Warning Signs for Mobile Speed Cameras?
Yes. The previous administration announced adjustments to NSW’s mobile speed camera program on November 19, 2020, including removing cautionary signage.
Thereafter, fines rose quickly. The previous administration reversed course in 2021 and opted to reintroduce the signage partially, but just on top of the speed camera vehicles, leaving drivers in the dark. Additionally, 1000 general warning signs were permanently installed.
Since the reintroduction of the warning signs to the side of the road in late April 2023, the fines issued by mobile speed cameras have decreased by almost 90% as more vehicles follow their prompt to check their speed and obey the speed limit.
Minister for Roads John Graham said that “This is a remarkable drop in infringements, and it is yet more proof that if you give motorists clear signage for their awareness, they respond in the right way, and road safety is enhanced at those locations. Speeding is the biggest killer on our roads, accounting for almost 41 percent of the road toll in 2022, so anything we can do to slow drivers down is a positive.”
Additional Information
Check out these links if you want to know more details about mobile speed cameras:
- Locations of mobile speed cameras
- View a camera image of your offence
- Other enforcement cameras
- How to pay your fines
Have You Been Caught Speeding?
If you are facing a charge of speeding offence, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and they can represent you in court.
An expert attorney at JB Solicitors will be able to offer the alleged offender individualised counsel, and options, help with the creation of character references and letters of apologies, and make court representations on their behalf.
Submit an enquiry here.
