New average speed camera enforcement is on the way for all drivers in New South Wales, with a trial officially begun on the 1st of May 2025. For the first time, light vehicles will be monitored under average speed systems on two regional highway stretches, in a bid to reduce serious injuries and road deaths.
Dylan Anderson
Where and Why
The trial will target:
- Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (15km stretch)
- Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai (16km stretch)
These locations were selected based on a history of serious crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, these two areas alone accounted for:
- 6 fatalities
- 33 serious injuries
Previously, average speed cameras in NSW only monitored heavy vehicles. But despite being just 20% of traffic incidents on these corridors, heavy vehicles were the only ones penalised. The NSW Government is now shifting its approach in line with other Australian states and international best practices.
The Timeline
- 1 May to 30 June 2025 – Warning mode only (no fines, just letters)
- From 1 July 2025 – Full enforcement begins (fines + demerits)
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What Makes This Fair
Unlike single-point cameras, average speed systems detect a pattern of speeding over a longer distance. According to Minister for Roads John Graham, "Speed remains our biggest killer, contributing to 41% of all road deaths in the last decade."
Supporting evidence:
- NSW 2024 survey: 68% of people support average speed cameras
- Norway (2015): 49% reduction in serious injury/fatal crashes
- UK (2016): 36% reduction after average speed camera rollout
Why It’s Regional
Regional NSW, while only home to 1/3 of the state’s population, accounts for 2/3 of its road deaths. As Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison explained:
"We know this trial is a change, especially for regional people. But we’re committed to helping communities adjust and save lives."
There will be extensive signage, mobile billboards, VMS alerts and a multi-channel media campaign before fines begin.
Other NSW Safety Changes
This trial is part of a broader suite of safety initiatives, including:
- Seatbelt enforcement via mobile phone detection network
- Foreign licence conversion within 6 months
- Demerit return trial (rewarding safe driving)
- Doubling mobile speed camera locations (enforcement hours unchanged)
- Hosting NSW Road Safety Forum with global experts
- Signing National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth
Legal Backing
This trial was made possible by changes to the Road Transport Act 2013 in October 2024, allowing average speed enforcement to apply to all vehicle types. It will run for 14 months total, with a formal report to be delivered to Parliament in 2026.
Summary
- Trial starts 1 May 2025
- Warning mode until 30 June 2025
- Enforcement starts 1 July 2025
- Applies to light vehicles on Hume & Pacific Highways
- Backed by international safety research
NSW joins other Australian states in expanding average speed enforcement to all drivers, with the aim of saving lives on long regional stretches.
Drivers are urged to watch their speed and look for signage starting this May.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
