The NSW Government has announced a trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles will be conducted from next year.
Previously, average speed cameras have only been used in NSW to monitor the speed of heavy vehicles.
Legislation that passed NSW Parliament has enabled their use for all vehicles, bringing the state into line with all other Australian mainland states and the ACT.
“This is the right time to investigate whether lives can be saved by the use of average speed cameras for all vehicles, not only trucks,” said Minister for Roads, John Graham.
“This technology has been found to be effective in other states and in the UK, Norway, Italy and the Netherlands.
“It is our responsibility to properly evaluate whether they are effective in preventing another family and another friendship circle from being devastated – which is the sad result every time someone dies on NSW roads.”
Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41% of all fatalities over the past decade.
Two trials will be conducted on limited stretches of highway in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improving safety and preventing injuries and fatalities.
The trial areas are:
- Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras
- Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras
There were a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022 at these locations.
Road safety experts have backed the use of average speed cameras and the NRMA will be part of the assessment process to ensure drivers have a voice in the review of the trial.
Transport for NSW will now work on the technical elements and deliver a communications campaign to inform motorists about the trial to begin mid-2025.
“Before trials begin next year, the NSW Government will conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign so the public is aware of average speed cameras and a 60-day warning letter period will give motorists time to adjust to their use in these limited locations,” said Minister Graham.