Latest news with #HayderShkara
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers warned against 'brief lapses' as mobile and seatbelt cameras dish out $423 fines
Authorities have issued a reminder to Aussies that mobile and seatbelt detection cameras are in force and catching out drivers breaking the law, with motorists copping fines for "brief lapses" while driving. The renewed message comes as the AI-powered cameras have been enforcing road rules in New South Wales for over a year, with Western Australia in a trial period of similar technology before enforcement begins later this year. Leading traffic lawyer Hayder Shkara told Yahoo News that his practice has seen an "uptick in inquiries" for his legal services since enforcement began. "Drivers are shocked at the precision of the technology and what the law actually is," Hayder, principal lawyer at Justice Family Lawyers, said. He warned that he's seeing cases catch out "more than just the obvious offenders". "Many clients are being fined for brief lapses, like adjusting a GPS or changing the music," he said. "I recall one passenger who was shocked that a seatbelt had to be worn in a particular way, saying that they had been wearing it around their body for years because it was uncomfortable having it strapped across the shoulder." Authorities across the country face an uphill battle in turning the tide on dangerous driving, with nationwide road tolls the highest they've been in 15 years. In NSW, cameras have checked 140 million cars, with 99 per cent of drivers and passengers doing the right thing. But of the approximate 75,000 caught out, 88 per cent of fines were related to incorrect seatbelt use. Last year, 34 people died on NSW roads while not wearing a seatbelt. This year, another 11 lives have been lost. According to Transport NSW, wearing a seatbelt correctly doubles the chances of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of serious injury. Last month, the Minns Government called on NSW drivers to follow the law and wear their seatbelts properly 🚗 Council's plan for new driver charge as Aussie tourist town being 'loved to death' 😳 Ominous message taped to 4WD next to remote Aussie highway reveals sad reality 🙌 'Amazing' change on notorious stretch of highway as new AI camera trialled Can I get out of a mobile or seatbelt fine? In NSW, each offence attracts a $423 fine and three demerit points, or six during double demerit periods. The fine has increased from $410 since the start of the new financial year. But according to Shkara, the high-definition quality of images makes getting out of fines a "tough battle" unless there has been a genuine error or "exceptional circumstance". "In terms of contesting, success really hinges on the specifics," he explained. "That said, we've had a few wins where the images were ambiguous. "Even a momentary lapse can lead to a fine, and with seatbelt detection now part of the mix, it's worth double-checking everything before you hit the road." How do mobile and seatbelt detection cameras work? The cameras operate by capturing images of passing cars, which are reviewed by AI software. Images that show an offence, such as a seatbelt worn incorrectly, are then verified by a person. Photos that don't show an offence are permanently deleted within an hour, NSW road safety explained. Those caught breaking the law are fined. "Whether you're the driver or the passenger, make sure you've always got your seatbelt on correctly," the authority said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Millions of Aussies warned as new speed cameras officially target drivers from tomorrow
Drivers in the country's most populous state are being reminded of a major speed camera change coming into effect this week. NSW drivers will be required to keep an eye on their speed with cameras on two major highways being upgraded to track the average speed of all vehicles. Previously, average speed cameras in the state only tracked heavy vehicles, but now in the selected locations they will monitor all vehicles on the road from Thursday. The two spots are a 15km stretch of road on the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes on the Mid North Coast, and 16km of road on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. The two locations have been selected due to their extensive crash history. Also known as point-to-point cameras, the cameras will start tracking drivers from May 1 in a two-month trial. It's the latest attempt to curb the rising death toll on Australian roads. It comes after three people died on NSW roads over the Easter period, according to police. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara 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." "I also think the average speed cameras may encourage drivers to become overly fixated on maintaining speed rather than focusing on overall safety — like adjusting to conditions or anticipating hazards." In NSW, the point-to-point cameras in the two selected areas will operate in trial mode for two months, with those caught speeding to receive warning letters. After that, offending drivers will be slapped with a fine and handed demerit points from July 1. Drivers caught speeding in NSW face hefty fines, depending on how far above the limit they are driving. The most severe penalties apply to those caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the limit. Light vehicle drivers face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, a minimum six-month licence disqualification is imposed. The shift aligns NSW with other states like Victoria, Queensland and South Australia that already use the technology for all motorists, following global studies showing average speed enforcement significantly reduces crashes. In Victoria, mobile speed cameras have been expanded in both number and operational hours, while Queensland recently introduced AI-equipped cameras to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt offences. Western Australia at the end of last year heralded the rollout of six new mobile cameras across the state. 60,000 drivers in the state were recently called out for putting lives at risk after the cameras captured a string of offences on Aussie roads. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Millions of Aussies warned as new speed cameras officially target drivers in just days
Drivers in the country's most populous state are being reminded of a major speed camera change coming into effect this week. NSW drivers will be required to keep an eye on their speed with cameras on two major highways being upgraded to track the average speed of all vehicles. Previously, average speed cameras in the state only tracked heavy vehicles, but now in the selected locations they will monitor all vehicles on the road from Thursday. The two spots are a 15km stretch of road on the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes on the Mid North Coast, and 16km of road on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. The two locations have been selected due to their extensive crash history. Also known as point-to-point cameras, the cameras will start tracking drivers from May 1 in a two-month trial. It's the latest attempt to curb the rising death toll on Australian roads. It comes after three people died on NSW roads over the Easter period, according to police. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara 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." "I also think the average speed cameras may encourage drivers to become overly fixated on maintaining speed rather than focusing on overall safety — like adjusting to conditions or anticipating hazards." In NSW, the point-to-point cameras in the two selected areas will operate in trial mode for two months, with those caught speeding to receive warning letters. After that, offending drivers will be slapped with a fine and handed demerit points from July 1. Drivers caught speeding in NSW face hefty fines, depending on how far above the limit they are driving. The most severe penalties apply to those caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the limit. Light vehicle drivers face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, a minimum six-month licence disqualification is imposed. The shift aligns NSW with other states like Victoria, Queensland and South Australia that already use the technology for all motorists, following global studies showing average speed enforcement significantly reduces crashes. In Victoria, mobile speed cameras have been expanded in both number and operational hours, while Queensland recently introduced AI-equipped cameras to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt offences. Western Australia at the end of last year heralded the rollout of six new mobile cameras across the state. 60,000 drivers in the state were recently called out for putting lives at risk after the cameras captured a string of offences on Aussie roads. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aussie drivers warned as new speed cameras that 'target everyday drivers' turn on in days
Drivers in the country's most populous state are being reminded of a major speed camera change coming into effect in just days. NSW drivers will be required to keep an eye on their speed with cameras on two major highways being upgraded to track the average speed of all vehicles. Previously, average speed cameras in the state only tracked heavy vehicles, but now in the selected locations they will monitor all vehicles on the road. The two spots are a 15km stretch of road on the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes on the Mid North Coast, and 16km of road on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. The two locations have been selected due to their extensive crash history. Also known as point-to-point cameras, the cameras will start tracking drivers from May 1 in a two-month trial. It's the latest attempt to curb the rising death toll on Australian roads. It comes after three people died on NSW roads over the Easter period, according to police. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara 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." "I also think the average speed cameras may encourage drivers to become overly fixated on maintaining speed rather than focusing on overall safety — like adjusting to conditions or anticipating hazards." In NSW, the point-to-point cameras in the two selected areas will operate in trial mode for two months, with those caught speeding to receive warning letters. After that, offending drivers will be slapped with a fine and handed demerit points from July 1. Drivers caught speeding in NSW face hefty fines, depending on how far above the limit they are driving. The most severe penalties apply to those caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the limit. Light vehicle drivers face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, a minimum six-month licence disqualification is imposed. The shift aligns NSW with other states like Victoria, Queensland and South Australia that already use the technology for all motorists, following global studies showing average speed enforcement significantly reduces crashes. In Victoria, mobile speed cameras have been expanded in both number and operational hours, while Queensland recently introduced AI-equipped cameras to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt offences. Western Australia at the end of last year heralded the rollout of six new mobile cameras across the state. 60,000 drivers in the state were recently called out for putting lives at risk after the cameras captured a string of offences on Aussie roads. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning as major speed camera change is just days away: 'Targets everyday drivers'
Drivers in the country's most populous state are being reminded of a major speed camera change coming into effect in just days. NSW drivers will be required to keep an eye on their speed with cameras on two major highways being upgraded to track the average speed of all vehicles. Previously, average speed cameras in the state only tracked heavy vehicles, but now in the selected locations they will monitor all vehicles on the road. The two spots are a 15km stretch of road on the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes on the Mid North Coast, and 16km of road on the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. The two locations have been selected due to their extensive crash history. Also known as point-to-point cameras, the cameras will start tracking drivers from May 1 in a two-month trial. It's the latest attempt to curb the rising death toll on Australian roads. It comes after three people died on NSW roads over the Easter period, according to police. However, not everyone agrees with the move. Prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara 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." "I also think the average speed cameras may encourage drivers to become overly fixated on maintaining speed rather than focusing on overall safety — like adjusting to conditions or anticipating hazards." In NSW, the point-to-point cameras in the two selected areas will operate in trial mode for two months, with those caught speeding to receive warning letters. After that, offending drivers will be slapped with a fine and handed demerit points from July 1. Drivers caught speeding in NSW face hefty fines, depending on how far above the limit they are driving. The most severe penalties apply to those caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the limit. Light vehicle drivers face a maximum fine of $3,300, while heavy vehicle drivers can be fined up to $5,500. Additionally, a minimum six-month licence disqualification is imposed. The shift aligns NSW with other states like Victoria, Queensland and South Australia that already use the technology for all motorists, following global studies showing average speed enforcement significantly reduces crashes. In Victoria, mobile speed cameras have been expanded in both number and operational hours, while Queensland recently introduced AI-equipped cameras to detect mobile phone use and seatbelt offences. Western Australia at the end of last year heralded the rollout of six new mobile cameras across the state. 60,000 drivers in the state were recently called out for putting lives at risk after the cameras captured a string of offences on Aussie roads. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
