Mobile speed cameras are set to be deployed at 2700 new sites across New South Wales.
The NSW Government says the move is in response to the increase in fatalities post-Covid. So far in 2024, 109 people have lost their lives on NSW roads – 13 higher than the same point in 2023.
Though the number of sites is increasing, there will be no increase in mobile speed camera enforcement hours.
The number of enforcement hours will remain at around 21,000 hours per month across NSW regardless of the new sites where cameras can operate.
The move to add more sites is part of a goal to reduce speeding more widely across the network.
“Reducing the predictability of where roadside cameras are set up was recommended by the NSW Auditor-General,” said Minister for Roads John Graham.
“Like all other states around Australia, NSW has experienced an unwelcome rise in road fatalities since the Covid era, and we’re taking action to prevent these tragedies on the road.”
The rollout of new mobile speed cameras will predominantly occur in regional NSW, where 1650 new sites will be eligible once the scoping period is completed over the coming 12 months.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “This is entirely appropriate considering regional NSW represents a third of the NSW population but two-thirds of deaths on our roads.”
Other measures the NSW Government will introduce in a bid to improve road safety include:
- Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
- The introduction of seatbelt enforcement by existing mobile phone detection cameras commencing on July 1
The NSW Government also hosted the state’s first road safety forum in February. Following that event, Transport for NSW will begin work on:
- Partnering with up to ten regional councils to fast-track the implementation of safer speed limits, particularly in areas of high pedestrian activity
- A new look road safety communications strategy aimed at, and designed with, young people
- Reviewing up to 35 school precincts across the state for improved safety on key routes to school
- Supporting safer speeds through better lighting, placemaking and streetscape improvements for areas that have, or are introducing, permanent 40kmh and 30kmh speed zones