The warning signs ahead of mobile speed cameras are being removed in New South Wales.
The signs, which are 250 metres ahead of cameras, will be taken down over the next 12 months. The state’s fleet of 45 mobile speed cameras will have their active time tripled over the same period, from 7000 hours per month to 21,000 hours.
“This is about changing culture and changing behaviour,” said Andrew Constance, NSW Transport Minister.
“We’ve seen it happen with our world-leading mobile phone detection program, where the rate of people offending has steadily declined.
“No warnings signs mean you can be caught anywhere, anytime and we want that same culture around mobile speed cameras.”
Mr Constance and Transport for NSW point to independent modelling from the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) says the changes to the mobile speed camera program could save up to 43 lives and prevent 600 serious injuries each year.
CarExpert has contacted MUARC chasing a copy of the report, and will report when it’s available.
The decision to remove speed camera warnings has been criticised by Nationals political Wes Fang, who accused Mr Constance and the Liberals of ignoring rural drivers.
“This policy decision puts the burden squarely on rural and regional motorists who will be disproportionately targeted given the longer distances and higher speed limits in the bush,” Mr Fang said.
“Speed cameras have a place, but so do fair warnings and equity between city and rural/regional people. This decision does not support that.”
The changes to speed camera policy are backed by tougher penalties for drink and drug-affected driving.
