Latest news with #RegionalTransportandRoads
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.
Perth Now
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Big change on one state's roads
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. Warning letters will be sent to drivers along two major NSW highways before penalties apply. NewsWire/ Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia 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. Average speed cameras will come into full force on July 1. NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe Credit: News Corp Australia '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. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said her office under the Minns government is determined to make roads safer in NSW. NewsWire/ Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia '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.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The meaning behind little-known marker appearing on 'more and more' Aussie roads
Aussie drivers have been urged to pay attention to a little-known marker that is 'appearing more and more' on major roads. In NSW and Queensland, motorists have likely noticed green reflective dots on sign posts installed on the side of busy highways, completely unaware of their meaning. While the simple circles may not appear important, they can in fact be a vital sign for travellers. Experienced Aussie caravanner Keith 'Harry' Hodges, who documents his adventures online, said many recent campsite chats have revealed just how few people are aware of the green dot road initiative. It was created several years ago by road safety advocate and truck driver Rod Hannifey, who was routinely trying to find a good spot to pull over because he was tired — but by the time he found one, he would be passed it. Approximately 500 meters from a safe place to pull over, drivers will notice three green dots under the standard red reflector. Getting closer, two green circles will appear on the post indicating the pull-over spot is about 250 metres ahead. Finally, one green circle appears just before the rest area. 'These green dots can be found more and more on New South Wales and Queensland roads,' Hodges said. 'They are not limited to just trucks, motorhomes or car and caravans, they are there for any motorists to pull over and let traffic past.' In January, Transport for NSW announced it had marked 14 new green reflector sites 'on important freight routes' in the state's south to improve road safety. Since 2020, on average there have been 47 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks each year. The rollout of more reflective markers 'will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night,' Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 🚘 Drivers warned over incredibly 'dangerous' passenger move on roads 🚤 Caravan and boat owners targeted by council in new push for law change 👮 Drivers warned as little-known reason for 'secret' police RBT tactic revealed Hannifey described the move as a 'big win'. 'Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It's such a simple idea, but it's already saving lives,' he said. Although the concept was designed for heavy transport, you don't need to be a truck driver or towing a caravan to use the space indicated by the dots, as any motorist can pull up in the safe zone. The sites can be used as a safe place to stop if you're towing a heavy vehicle and traffic is piling up behind, or if you need a break from driving. However, the areas are not suitable for overnight or extended stays. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
