Big backflip as mobile speed camera warning signs return to NSW
- Mobile speed cameras are returning
- Huge backflip after sign removal in 2020
All mobile speed cameras in NSW are now equipped to carry portable warning signs, contradicting the previous state government’s decision to remove the signs in 2020.
Warning signs must now be displayed during enforcement, including a retractable sign on the roof, two portable signs on approach to each vehicle with mobile speed cameras, and one after.
“I’d rather people slow down in the first place than be fined two weeks after committing the offence,” Prime Minister Chris Minns said.
All mobile speed cameras in NSW are now fitted with portable warning signs, contradicting the previous state government’s decision to remove the signs in 2020. In the photo, a police officer is talking to a motorist
Fixed warning signs for mobile speed cameras were dropped in November 2020, leading to a huge spike in revenue from minor speeding.
Mr Minns said the former government went from collecting about $4 million a year in fines for low speeding tickets to about $45 million over a single financial year.
The number of fines for exceeding the speed limit by 10 km/h or less went from 3,222 in October 2020 to 27,855 in February 2021.
Following community response, the signs were partially reintroduced to return to the top of speed cameras in 2021, but drivers were not given any advance warning.
Mr Minns said he wanted to ‘end the secrecy’ whereby motorists would have clear warning signs for any speed cameras to remind them to slow down.
“We want drivers to slow down, we don’t want people speeding in the first place,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Roads Minister John Graham said the former government removed the warning signs without any community consultation and went back on its policy three times before accepting that the warning signs should return.
Fixed mobile speed camera warning signs were dropped in November 2020, leading to a huge spike in light speeding revenue
“This is finally the end of a two-and-a-half year debacle with speed camera warning signs,” he said.
“It took three policy changes for the former government to come to the same position as the community and accept that these cameras should send back warning signals.
“The former government’s triple backflip was so poorly executed that it has taken until now to get the job done,” Graham added.
