Millions of Sydney drivers could soon be fined under average speed camera system
Millions of Sydney drivers could soon be clocked by average speed cameras in tunnels and motorways as the NSW government hails the success of a regional trial.
A year-long trial was held between May 2025 and June 30 this year on the Pacific Highway and Hume Highway to assess if point-to-point cameras reduced speeding for light vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.
NSW is the only jurisdiction in the world which restricts average speed cameras to heavy vehicles. Nine
A final review released this month concluded that average speed cameras are “likely to deliver clear road safety benefits” in NSW if they are used to monitor all vehicles.
It is expected the cameras would reduce up to 17 per cent of fatal crashes and up to 13 per cent of serious injury crashes if they are universally implemented.
Dozens of average speed cameras have been used on highways in NSW since 2011, but only trucks are policed under this system.
NSW is the only jurisdiction in the world which restricts average speed cameras to heavy vehicles.
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The report’s finding could push the state government to turn them on for all cars.
The cameras calculate the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between two points and a fine is issued if the average speed is above the limit.
The regional trial used point-to-point cameras to measure speeds on a 15-kilometre stretch of highway between Kew and Lake Innes and a 16-kilometre stretch between Coolac and Gundagai.
A total of 7.7 million cars were captured during the trial, resulting in a 76 per cent improvement in speed compliance over the 12-month period.
The report’s finding could push the state government to turn average speed cameras on for all cars. Pat Scala / Fairfax Media
During the first month of the trial, one in 177 cars were detected speeding.
In the final month, one in 330 cars were detected speeding.
Fixed speed cameras are already in place across major arterial roads in Sydney.
If average speed cameras are given the green light for all vehicles, the state government will need a plan to ensure drivers aren’t fined twice for the same speeding offence.
Drivers in NSW can be fined between $149 and $3064 for speeding offences.
The review has been tabled, and it is understood a decision will be made after the next state election, due to be held in March next year.
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