Why are we replacing the existing red-light cameras with new safety cameras?
In 2008 there were 20 fatalities and 4398 injuries at intersections with traffic lights. In addition to the trauma caused to the victims of these crashes, signalised intersection crashes cost the community around $665 million in 2008.
The current wet-film cameras use outdated technology that will soon be obsolete. Additionally the current cameras require manual collection and replacement of film which can pose a risk to operators because the cameras are located at busy intersections. It is important to upgrade the cameras to ensure the continued road safety benefit of the program.
The new safety cameras use digital technology and can be networked and maintained from a centralised location meaning that they are safer and more efficient to operate.
Can safety cameras also detect speeding?
Yes, safety cameras can also detect speeding.
Safety Cameras are capable of detecting vehicles exceeding the speed limit at all times whether the traffic light is red, amber or green.
The NSW fixed speed camera program shows that fixed speed cameras are effective in reducing crashes along the length of road at the camera location. Using this approach for safety cameras will ensure these cameras provide further road safety benefits.
How many sites are being installed?
The installation will involve the replacement of existing and redundant wet-film camera technology at 183 camera sites with 200 new safety camera locations.
How are sites selected?
Safety camera sites have been selected using strict criteria developed by the NSW Centre for Road Safety. Site selection will be based upon several factors including the cost of crashes to the community, vehicle speeds and road conditions.
Where are the new safety cameras going to be located?
The first 100 locations to have the new digital technology installed will be those intersections that pose the highest yearly crash cost to the community. The remaining 100 locations will be selected using the most recent crash information at the time of installation.
You can download and view a list of the first 100 digital safety camera locations at the bottom of this page.
Will all existing red-light camera sites be upgraded?
The majority of the current 183 sites will be upgraded with digital technology.
As the program is implemented some of the current sites may be removed if there have been significant road safety improvements at the location and a camera is no longer warranted. When a site has been decommissioned a new site will be selected.
Will the current wet-film cameras still be issuing infringements?
Yes, the existing wet film red-light cameras will continue to operate while the new safety cameras are being installed.
Will there be new offences?
There will be no new offences or penalties for speeding, running a red-light or speeding through a red-light. Drivers who commit a red-light or red arrow offence will receive the current penalties for these offences. Drivers who commit a speeding offence will receive the relevant speeding penalty.
Will signage be installed warning motorists of the approaching cameras?
Yes there will be a sign warning motorists on the approach to safety cameras. The sign will have the text “SAFETY CAMERA AHEAD”, explaining that the main function of the new cameras is to improve the safety of the intersection – by reducing crashes caused by speeding and drivers running red-lights.
What will happen to the revenue raised from safety cameras?
Revenue raised from offences at safety camera locations will be used to fund the ongoing implementation of the program. As with all money raised though speeding and red-light offences, fines will be paid to the Treasury and be redirected back into the community through health, education and road safety.
How do we know safety cameras are accurate?
As with existing fixed digital speed cameras, there are strict calibration and certification requirements for safety cameras. This means that the accuracy and integrity of the cameras is always maintained and tested.
Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has developed strict operational guidelines for these new cameras, to ensure that they are robust and accurate.
While safety cameras are new in NSW, they are tried and tested road safety technology and are used extensively in other jurisdictions in Australia and overseas.
Will safety cameras be installed in school zones?
Safety camera locations will be selected based on specific road safety criteria. Safety cameras will be located in school zones where the sites meet these criteria. There are also some existing red-light camera locations within school zones.
Where a safety camera is located in school zone, drivers who are detected speeding or running a red-light during school times will receive increased penalties.
How do the cameras work?
The safety cameras operate automatically day and night.
Safety cameras detect and record the speed of a vehicle by using vehicle tracking radar or electronic detectors that are embedded in the road’s surface. These detectors accurately measure the speed of the vehicle. If the speed of the vehicle exceeds the speed limit then a digital picture is taken of the offending vehicle.
The red-light detection function of these cameras is connected to the traffic lights and is activated when a vehicle crosses the white stop line. The camera is programmed to take photographs of the rear of any vehicle travelling over the stop line or entering the intersection after the lights have turned red. The camera will not be triggered by vehicles crossing the stop line on amber or green lights.
What does the camera record?
If a vehicle is detected speeding or running a red light, a digital image of the vehicle is recorded which includes the registration plate of the vehicle. Safety cameras have the capacity to measure speed in both directions of travel.
Digital images also include information about:
- Date and time of the offence
- Location details of the camera
- Direction of travel of the offending vehicle
- Speed of the offending vehicle
- Speed limit applying to the road on which the camera is located
- The lane in which the vehicle was travelling
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.
Can I view the image of my vehicle?
If you wish to view the photographs of your offence taken by the safety camera you can view these online at www.sdro.nsw.gov.au free of charge or you can buy copies for a fee of $10 by writing to the Adjudication and Compliance Unit, State Debt Recovery Office, PO Box 786, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012 and quoting your penalty notice number.