A NSW GOVERNMENT trial of average speed cameras targeting light vehicles has recorded a sharp drop in speeding offences during its first month of enforcement.
The cameras, operating on stretches of the Pacific and Hume Highways, began issuing fines on 1 July after two months of warning notices.
Early results show a marked change in driver behaviour, with the number of speeding detections almost halved.
In July, one in every 276 cars monitored was fined, compared with one in 143 receiving warning letters in May.
More than 1.8 million vehicles have been checked since the trial began, with 2310 fines issued in July across the two locations.
On the Pacific Highway section between Kew and Lake Innes, speeding rates dropped from one in every 146 cars in May to one in every 317 in July.
The Hume Highway site between Coolac and Gundagai saw a fall from one in every 138 to one in every 214 over the same period.
The program is scheduled to run until June 2026 and is intended to improve road safety by encouraging compliance with speed limits.
Revenue raised from infringements is directed to the state’s Community Road Safety Fund, which supports education and safety initiatives.
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said the figures show the approach is working.
“Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads and is a factor in around 40 percent of all fatalities and I make no apologies for doing everything possible to lower that figure,” she said.
“Camera enforcement is one of the most effective, evidence-based measures to increase safer driving.
“It saves lives and prevents injuries.
“The trial is having the desired effect, with speeding offences almost halving across both locations.
“It’s pleasing to see an improvement in driver behaviour as we continue to monitor the effectiveness of this trial.”
Ms Aitchison added that speeding increases both the chance of a crash and its severity.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we want everyone to make it home in one piece every time they get behind the wheel.”
By Luke HADFIELD
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