Mobile speed cameras were reintroduced in NSW in response to an increasing road toll and are being used to reduce fatalities and injuries on our roads.
Mobile speed cameras are recognised internationally as a best practice road safety initiative to reduce speeding and speed-related crashes. Studies by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) have found that cameras reduce the frequency and severity of crashes (see reports 200 and 204 on the MUARC website).
The introduction of mobile speed camera programs in Queensland and Victoria reduced casualty crashed in those states by around 25 per cent. (Cameron, M & Delaney, A. (2006). Development of strategies for best practice in speed enforcement in Western Australia. Final report no. 270. Monash University Accident Research Centre: Victoria, Australia).
How do mobile speed cameras improve road safety?
Crashes don't always occur in the same place and while it is important to put speed cameras in known blackspots, the mobility provided by these cameras means that more locations have the benefit of camera enforcement. This ensures a wider road safety benefit is achieved.
Additionally, the unpredictability of enforcement leads to a reduction in speeding at all times, not just at times when cameras are present. This further reduces crashes across the whole network not just at camera locations.
The cameras are designed to encourage speeding drivers to change their behaviour and reinforce the fact that speeding is socially unacceptable and will not be tolerated on NSW roads.
Drivers who are caught speeding will be issued with a speeding infringement. Research shows drivers who receive a speeding infringement are more inclined to change their behaviour to avoid another penalty. (Zaal, D. (1994). Traffic law enforcement: a review of the literature. Report no. 53. Monash University Accident Research Centre: Victoria, Australia).
How are mobile speed camera locations selected?
Mobile speed camera site selection is a critical element of the program. Mobile speed cameras are located at sites which meet specific criteria. The criteria were developed by the NSW Centre for Road Safety in consultation with the NSW Police Force and NRMA Motoring and Services.
The site selection criteria include:
- That the location was previously used by the NSW Police Force to conduct mobile speed camera enforcement.
- Frequency and severity of crashes at the location.
- The site conditions at the location are appropriate for mobile speed camera enforcement and meet both the technical requirements for mobile speed camera enforcement and the safety requirements for camera operators and members of the public.
- Further evidence of a speeding problem using police intelligence (including events that pose a road safety concern) and/or vehicle speeds.
- The location is difficult for the police to enforce using conventional methods.
Where possible mobile speed camera vehicles will be at locations during times of the day and on days of the week when crashes have occurred, and enforcement will be prioritised to locations with the greatest crash risks. This will ensure the program delivers the greatest road safety benefit for the NSW community.
You can download a list of mobile speed camera locations from the box below.