Speeding fines in NSW drop by $61million after mobile speed camera warning signs brought back

Drivers have saved $61million in fines over the last year after warning signs were reinstalled for mobile speed cameras in NSW. 

The warning signs were removed in 2020 before they were reinstated from January 1 following public backlash and accusations of revenue raising.

The state government drew in a staggering $82.4 million in revenue from mobile speed cameras in the 2021-22 financial year.

The figure has dropped drastically $21.3 million in the last financial year according to data from Revenue NSW. 

Minister for Roads John Graham said the drop in infringements was ‘remarkable’ and more proof that they should not have been removed in the first place.

‘The results are in, with large falls in fine revenue as a result of the commonsense return of portable signage to the roadside around speed cameras,’ he said.

‘The fact is the signs should never have been removed and it was the drivers of NSW who paid for the mistake of the previous government through fines and demerit points.

‘Speeding is the biggest killer on our roads, accounting for almost 41 per cent of the road toll in 2022, so anything we can do to slow drivers down is a positive.

‘The Minns Government would rather people slowdown in the first place than receive a fine in the mail two weeks after they commit an offence.’

He continued by noting that in 2022 almost 41 per cent of deaths while driving were attributed to speeding.

Data from Revenue NSW revealed a drop in over $61million in speeding infringements from speed cameras between July 2022 to 2023 compared to the year prior (stock image)

The plan to remove warning signs for speed cameras were criticised by both the public and public officials, with many locals erecting their own warning signs.

‘These cameras are issuing tickets to people who are keeping flow with the traffic, and they are fines (below 10km/h over the limit) we would not issue because you wouldn’t be able to stop every car,’ a highway patrol officer told Drive in January.

‘The return of warning signs is fair game because it means if you get caught you’re clearly not watching your surroundings and paying attention to the road.’ 

The patrol officer also said the removal of speed cameras weren’t targeting more serious offences such as driving under the influence, unlicensed or banned drivers, and unregistered cars.