01-05-2025
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.
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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."
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