Why have mobile speed cameras been re-introduced?
Speed is the greatest contributor to road trauma. Mobile speed cameras are now being used to reduce the road toll. Sadly, last year 213 people were killed in speed-related crashes on NSW roads and speeding was the largest contributor to the increase in the 2009 road toll.
The NSW Government recognises that mobile speed cameras are effective in reducing speeding leading to a reduction in crashes. The introduction of mobile speed camera programs in Queensland and Victoria has reduced casualty crashes in those states by at least 25 per cent.
Recent Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) research indicates strong support for enforcement amongst NSW drivers, with a large number of drivers supporting an increase in enforcement.
Mobile speed cameras are effective because the unpredictability of the camera location creates a general deterrence effect for speeding leading to a crash reduction across the whole network not just at camera locations.
Mobile speed cameras will support existing police enforcement and form part of a comprehensive speed management strategy for NSW.
Is this a new program?
The NSW Police Force previously operated mobile speed cameras however the program was discontinued because it used outdated wet-film technology. The NSW Government has now re-introduced a mobile speed camera program managed by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority).
Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has reviewed the approaches used for mobile speed cameras in other jurisdictions to ensure the NSW program will be considered best practice.
What is the scale of the program?
Mobile speed cameras operate state-wide and enforcement will be conducted at all times and on all types of roads.
Will there be any new offences?
Mobile speed cameras will enforce existing speeding laws.
Why is the program outsourced?
The mobile speed camera program is managed by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority), with the operation and maintenance of speed cameras and vehicles outsourced to a third party who is a private contractor. Outsourcing the operation of mobile speed cameras means police resources will not have to be diverted from other hands-on road safety activities such as random breath testing and roadside drug testing.
Outsourcing also reduces the cost to the NSW Government associated with purchasing and depreciation of infrastructure.
Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority), in consultation with the NSW Police Force, manages the deployment of mobile speed cameras to ensure the program delivers maximum road safety benefits. Locations for mobile speed enforcement are based on road safety criteria determined by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority)’s NSW Centre for Road Safety in consultation with the NSW Police Force and NRMA Motoring and Services
The certification of speed measuring devices will continue to be managed by Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority), as they are with fixed speed cameras, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of mobile speed cameras.
The State Debt Recovery Office will continue to be responsible for processing and issuing infringements to ensure that a third party will not be able to obtain or use the personal details of motorists.
Will the program be covert?
No, the cameras are not hidden, however, their locations will be less predictable than fixed speed cameras. Drivers are reminded they should not exceed the speed limit regardless of the presence of enforcement.
Is there signage warning motorists on the approach to the cameras?
Current mobile speed camera signage is very overt; mobile speed camera vehicles are marked, and operators place portable warning signs 50 metres before and after the vehicle . The use of overt enforcement ensures that all motorists see and recognise the enforcement activity and is an obvious reminder that enforcement represents a threat to those breaking the law.
What will happen to the revenue from mobile speed cameras?
Revenue raised from speeding offences detected by mobile speed cameras will be used to fund the ongoing implementation of the program and other road safety measures proposed in a NSW Government Road Toll Response Package. As with all money raised though speeding offences, fines will be paid to the Treasury and redirected back into the community through health, education and road safety.
How do we know the cameras are accurate?
Mobile speed cameras, like fixed speed cameras, are subject to rigorous regular testing, certification and calibration in accordance with legislated requirements. This testing is conducted routinely to ensure that the accuracy of cameras is maintained.
How do the cameras work?
Mobile speed cameras work like fixed speed cameras, however, they are moved from location to location in a vehicle.
The mobile speed cameras are operated by technicians who will only be responsible for driving the mobile speed camera vehicle to the scheduled enforcement location, setting up the camera in accordance with operating procedures and ensuring that the camera is secured and operating correctly while it is enforcing speeding.
As with a fixed speed camera, the actual enforcement of speeding will be an automated process that is conducted by the camera. A vehicle’s speed will be detected using an approved speed measurement device such as a radar. If a vehicle is detected speeding, a digital image of the vehicle is recorded from which all details regarding the speeding vehicle can be extracted.
This image is then used to generate an infringement.
What do the cameras record?
Mobile speed cameras will record similar information to that recorded by fixed speed cameras. Images from fixed speed cameras clearly show the colour, type, make and number plate of the vehicle and record the following information:
- Date of the offence
- Time of the offence
- Location details of the camera that took the picture
- Direction of travel of the offending vehicle
- Speed of the offending vehicle
- Speed limit applying to the road where the camera is situated
- Other security and integrity parameters.
What if I wasn’t the driver at the time of the offence?
If you were not driving the vehicle at the time of the offence, you should provide the name and details of the driver by completing the statutory declaration form provided with the penalty notice and forward it to the State Debt Recovery Office for processing.