Average speed cameras are being activated at two new sites across regional New South Wales as part of a targeted safety initiative. The trial, which begun May 1, and wraps up July 1, introduces enforcement for light vehicles along two high-risk stretches of road.
Dylan Anderson
Where the New Cameras Are Located
The first location is a 15-kilometre stretch of the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes. The second is a 16-kilometre segment of the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai. These areas have been identified as high-priority zones due to their accident history and ongoing speeding concerns.
How the Trial Works
Between May 1 and July 1, drivers detected speeding by these average speed cameras will receive warning letters rather than fines or demerit points. This two-month grace period is intended to give drivers time to adjust to the new enforcement measures. After July 1, full enforcement will commence, and any speeding violations by light vehicles will result in fines and demerit point penalties.
Existing enforcement for heavy vehicles at these sites remains unchanged and continues alongside the new light vehicle monitoring.
Warning Signs Installed Across NSW
To ensure drivers are aware of the new enforcement areas, warning signs have been installed at each average speed camera location. This advance notice aims to encourage drivers to reduce their speed voluntarily and avoid penalties once full enforcement begins.
Dylan Anderson
Why the Trial Was Introduced
The introduction of these cameras follows data analysis showing significant safety concerns at these locations. Between 2018 and 2022, there were six fatalities and 33 serious injuries recorded on these specific stretches of highway. Speeding was identified as a primary contributing factor, responsible for 41 percent of road fatalities in NSW over the past decade.
NSW Expanding Use of Average Speed Cameras
Traditionally, average speed cameras in NSW have been used primarily to monitor heavy vehicles. This new trial marks an expansion into light vehicle monitoring, reflecting growing concern about speeding among all drivers, not just commercial operators. The NSW government is closely monitoring the effectiveness of this program as part of its broader road safety strategy.
Full Enforcement Starts July 1
Once the warning period ends, drivers exceeding the speed limit over these stretches will face full penalties, including fines and demerit points. Authorities are encouraging drivers to become familiar with these new camera zones now to avoid penalties later.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
