Latest news with #DuncanLucas
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Millions warned as new cameras with $3,300 fines and six demerit points target drivers from today
Speed cameras will begin targeting new drivers along two major Aussie highways from today, with Aussies being warned they could still cop a fine during the trial period. Drivers in New South Wales are urged to keep an eye on their speed as average speed cameras — which previously only targeted heavy vehicles — will be turned on for all vehicles along the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes on the Mid North Coast, and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. These average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, were installed in these locations due to the high volume of crashes and statewide speeding offences already apply for drivers of heavy vehicles. From today until June 30, drivers of light vehicles who are caught exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or less will receive a warning letter. However, if drivers exceed the speed limit by more than 30 km/h, they will be fined and penalties will apply. If the speed exceeds 30 km/h over the signposted limit but not more than 45 km/h, drivers will cop a maximum fine of $2,200 and five demerit points, along with a minimum licence suspension of three months. For speeds exceeding more than 45 km/h, a maximum fine of $3,300 will apply, with six demerit points taken and a minimum licence suspension of six months. From July 1, all penalties will apply along the two highways. "Motorists are reminded that from today the cameras will begin capturing light vehicle speeding offences. Warning letters will be issued to those caught for the first two months before penalties will begin on 1 July," Duncan Lucas, Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation at Transport for NSW, said. ☀️ Young driver cops warning over little-known road rule with $323 fine 👀 Drivers 'completely unaware' of road rule attracting $6,000 fines 😲 More expensive road fines coming for millions of Aussie drivers Average speed cameras use several cameras to measure the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between points on the road and subsequently calculate the average speed. Compared to fixed speed cameras that only indicate the driver's speed in one moment, average speed cameras provide a more comprehensive view of speeding behaviour. Authorities continue to increase road surveillance across the country as many states grapple with rising road fatalities. Research conducted by the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics revealed that 1,300 people died on Australian roads last year — up from 1,258 in 2023 — and speeding contributes to 41 per cent of road deaths. "Speeding is the biggest cause of death and serious injury on NSW roads and it's imperative that everyone obeys the speed limit, not only when passing enforcement sites but everywhere on our roads," Lucas said. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara previously told Yahoo News the move will target the "everyday driver" who drifts between five and 10km/h while "overtaking or distracted" and not the hoon putting lives at risk. "Average speed enforcement doesn't target the hoon doing 130 in a 60 zone who brakes when they see a cop," he said. "This can penalise minor, unintentional lapses, especially when driving for long distances," he told Yahoo News. "The blanket approach lacks nuance—something you'd expect more of if the goal is truly road safety rather than punishing drivers." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Average speed cameras will target drivers and riders in NSW
Drivers and riders on two major NSW highways have been put on notice. Average speed cameras have begun operating in 'warning mode' for light vehicles caught speeding. The move comes as part of the NSW government's trial to expand the use of average speed cameras from heavy vehicles to light vehicles in order to reduce the death toll on busy roads. The cameras measure a 15km stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) and a 16km stretch of the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai. If a vehicle's average speed exceeds the speed limit for the length of road between two cameras, the driver or rider will initially receive a warning for speeding. From July 1, penalties will apply. Transport for NSW executive director of road safety regulation Duncan Lucas said the trial was part of the government's commitment at last year's Road Safety Forum. 'Motorists are reminded that from today the cameras will begin capturing light vehicle speeding offences. Warning letters will be issued to those caught for the first two months before penalties will begin on 1 July,' Mr Lucas said. 'I would also like to remind heavy vehicle drivers that these cameras will continue to operate in enforcement mode for heavy vehicle offences during the entirety of the trial.' The trial will help the NSW government determine if average speed cameras improve safety and minimise speeding. 'Signage is in place at the two sites and a communications advertising campaign is under way to educate drivers on the trial. We want to ensure the community understands how the technology works and has confidence in its road safety benefit,' Mr Lucas said. 'Speeding is the biggest cause of death and serious injury on NSW roads and it's imperative that everyone obeys the speed limit, not only when passing enforcement sites but everywhere on our roads.' Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said her office was determined to bring down the road toll in regional NSW when speaking about the trial. 'Regional NSW is home to a third of the population but is where two-thirds of all road deaths happen,' she said. 'With the majority of road trauma occurring in our regions, we have chosen two regional locations to test the impact these cameras could have on road safety for all road users. 'I know this trial will be a change, particularly for regional people who travel through the areas where these two camera lengths are in place, which is why we are committed to ensuring that the community is aware of what we are doing. 'We will have a communications strategy in place, including the use of print, radio and social media, as well as variable messaging signs and mobile billboards to help communicate the trial details to drivers and riders.' The trial aligns NSW road rules with Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not use point-to-point speed cameras. The NSW government will report back to parliament on the outcomes of the trial in 2026.
