NSW Expands Speed Camera Sites

The NSW Government is ramping up its response to rising road fatalities by expanding the reach of mobile speed cameras and implementing a range of new road safety initiatives. There will be an additional 2,700 sites across the state where mobile speed cameras can operate, although the overall monthly enforcement hours will remain steady at approximately 21,000.

This expansion follows a troubling increase in road deaths post-COVID. In 2024, 314 lives have been lost on NSW roads, 9 more than at the same time in 2023.

Key Measures Introduced

The expansion in camera site locations is just one part of a broader suite of safety reforms implemented by the Minns Labor Government, including:

Mandatory conversion of foreign licences to NSW licences within six months
Seatbelt enforcement via mobile phone detection cameras (effective 1 July 2024)
A demerit point return trial which recently rewarded 1.1 million safe drivers
Hosting the first NSW Road Safety Forum with over 150 local and international experts

Outcomes from the Road Safety Forum

As a result of the February 2024 forum, Transport for NSW will begin work on several targeted safety improvements:

Partnering with 10 regional councils to fast-track safer speed limits in areas of high pedestrian activity
Reviewing up to 35 school precincts for improved safety
Supporting safer speeds through improved lighting, placemaking, and street design in areas introducing permanent 30–40km/h zones
Developing a youth-focused road safety communications campaign

Data-Driven Safety Planning

NSW has joined the National Road Safety Data Agreement, enabling state and federal road agencies and researchers to access and share detailed crash data. This includes speeding, fatigue, seatbelt usage, vehicle types, crash locations, and road conditions. This agreement aims to inform data-driven strategies that reduce road trauma nationwide.

To further improve knowledge sharing, Transport for NSW has launched the Towards Zero Collaboration Hub, a central platform to provide councils, communities, and stakeholders with access to road safety data and resources. The hub is live at: collaborationhub.towardszero.nsw.gov.au

Focus on Regional NSW

Of the 2,700 new enforcement sites, 1,650 will be in regional NSW, reflecting the disproportionate rate of road deaths outside metropolitan areas. While regional NSW accounts for one-third of the state’s population, it sees two-thirds of all road fatalities.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison emphasised the importance of this expansion: “We’re encouraging the public to suggest mobile camera locations to Transport for NSW. This input will help identify where enforcement can enhance safety most effectively.”

Transport is also considering the potential use of average speed cameras for light vehicle enforcement, a recommendation from the 2024 Road Safety Forum.

Legislative and Enforcement Action

Beyond local actions, NSW will join other jurisdictions at a national Road Safety Ministers’ Meeting in Melbourne to align on safety strategies. Meanwhile, Transport will collaborate with Corrective Services to strengthen behaviour change programs for high-risk drink and drug drivers and improve post-crash drug and alcohol testing protocols.

Minister for Roads John Graham stated: “Reducing the predictability of speed camera locations and finalising the national data-sharing agreement are part of a broader push to reduce preventable deaths on our roads. These steps are crucial in delivering a safer road network for everyone.”