Mobile Speed Camera FAQs

Mobile speed cameras FAQs

Why are mobile speed cameras being re-introduced?
Speed is the greatest contributor to road trauma. Mobile speed cameras are being re-introduced 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 RTA 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The NSW Police Force previously operated mobile speed cameras however the program was discontinued because it used outdated wet-film technology.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 is now re-introducing a mobile speed camera program managed by the RTA.

The RTA 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 will 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 being outsourced?
The mobile speed camera program will be managed by the RTA, 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 will also reduce the cost to the NSW Government associated with purchasing and depreciation of infrastructure.
The RTA, in consultation with the NSW Police Force, will manage the deployment of mobile speed cameras to ensure the program delivers maximum road safety benefits. Locations for mobile speed enforcement will be based on road safety criteria determined by the RTA’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 the RTA, 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 will not be 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.

Will signage be installed warning motorists on the approach to the cameras?
There will be signage after the mobile speed camera vehicle to alert drivers that their speed has been checked so they have the opportunity to modify their behaviour. There will be no advance warning on the approach to cameras.

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 will be 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.

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