New Enforcement Begins July 1
New average speed camera fines for light vehicles in New South Wales will begin from July 1. Motorists are being warned to stay within speed limits as two average speed camera sites move from trial to enforcement mode.
Cameras Shift Focus to All Vehicles
The Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai will now fine all vehicle types. These 15 km and 16 km stretches were previously focused only on heavy vehicles. This marks a significant shift in road safety enforcement strategy across the state.
A warning sign for an average speed camera
Average Speed Over Distance Tracked
Average speed cameras track vehicles between two fixed points. They calculate a vehicle’s average speed based on time taken between checkpoints. If the calculated average exceeds the posted limit, a fine and demerit points apply.
Severe Penalties for Offenders
Penalties for light vehicle drivers range from $145 and one demerit point to $2959 and six demerit points. These apply depending on how far the driver exceeds the limit. Learners and provisional licence holders face stricter thresholds. From July 1, fines may increase further based on the Consumer Price Index.
Overspeeding could also lead to loss of licence
Transport NSW Stresses Safety Focus
Transport for NSW stated that the initiative aims to reduce road deaths through consistent speed enforcement. “Average speed safety cameras are designed to prevent speeding over distance – not just at camera points,” a spokesperson said.
Community Notification and Concerns Raised
Authorities have already issued public notices and mailed letters to residents informing them of the changes. Despite the warnings, not everyone supports the move.
Legal Expert Questions Fairness
Lawyer Hayder Shkara raised concerns about the system. “This doesn’t stop the hoon who slams the brakes when they see a cop – it catches the driver going a few kilometres over during long trips,” he told Yahoo News. He warned drivers may become overly focused on speedometers instead of road conditions.
Tech Boost Raises Detection Rates Nationwide
New technology is changing the way Australian drivers are monitored, with states upgrading their road enforcement tools. Tasmania saw a major jump in detection rates after introducing Sensys Gatso automatic speed cameras on the Tasman Bridge in Hobart.
Massive Increase in Speeding Detections
The new system detects over 700 speeding drivers per week, compared to only 624 across the whole of 2020-21 using old cameras. Those cameras, decommissioned in 2022, have been replaced with units capable of monitoring multiple lanes simultaneously.
Technology Now Fully Operational
Tasmania’s Department of State Growth confirmed the Sensys Gatso cameras are now fully operational. The road user portal now allows drivers to access images and videos of their infringements.
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Sensys Gatso Expands Operations
Sensys Gatso operates 16 mobile speed cameras across Tasmania. These units detected over 60,000 speeding violations in the last 12 months alone.
National Camera Rollout Underway
Several other states are also advancing enforcement measures. In Victoria, authorities extended mobile camera operating hours to capture more drivers. New South Wales expanded monitoring to include all vehicles, not just trucks, at its average speed camera locations.
Queensland Adds AI Capabilities
Queensland deployed new AI-enabled cameras targeting mobile phone use and seatbelt violations. These changes reflect a nationwide push for enhanced road monitoring.
Western Australia Follows Suit
Western Australia added six mobile cameras at the end of 2024 and plans to introduce four smart cameras on Perth freeways.
Authorities Defend Automated Enforcement
Despite public debate, road safety agencies argue automated enforcement reduces road trauma. The NSW government cited a 40 per cent drop in fatal crashes near average speed camera sites.
Public Urged to Adapt to New Rules
Motorists are advised to adjust to new speed enforcement zones and ensure full compliance by July 1. The shift affects all vehicles, with fines reaching up to $3000 under the new structure.
Final Notes on Compliance Technology
Australian governments continue updating road safety cameras with AI and next-gen systems. These efforts aim to reduce traffic deaths and road trauma nationwide.
