Aussie drivers face fines of up to $3,000 from major road rule change just days away

Average speed cameras will be switched into enforcement mode in two high-risk NSW spots from July 1. Source: AAP/Daily Telegraph/NSW govt

Drivers in the country's most populous state are being urged to slow down and take notice, with a major shift in road safety enforcement just days away. 

From July 1, average speed cameras at two NSW locations will switch from trial to active enforcement mode, and the consequences for speeding could be severe, with fines of up to $2,959 for light vehicles and the loss of six demerit points.

These cameras calculate a vehicle’s average speed over a monitored road section rather than capturing speed at a single point. The system works by recording a vehicle’s entry and exit times at two points, then calculating whether the average speed exceeds the limit. 

The cameras are positioned on two key routes: The Pacific Highway, along a 15 km stretch between Kew and Lake Innes on the NSW Mid North Coast, and on the Hume Highway, along a 16 km stretch between Coolac and Gundagai in the state's south. These are the only average speed cameras in NSW to date that will lead to fines for light vehicles, all other locations around the state monitor the speed of heavy vehicles only.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says the aim is to "prevent speeding and reduce lives lost and serious injuries on the road network". According to NSW legislation, penalties vary depending on the severity of the offence and the posted speed limit.

  • Exceed speed limit by 10 km/h or less 

  • Unrestricted licence: $145 fine, 1 demerit point 

  • Learner or P1/P2 licence: $145 fine, 4 demerit points

  • Exceed speed limit by over 10 km/h but not more than 20 km/h 

  • Unrestricted licence: $334 fine, 3 demerit points 

  • Learner or P1/P2 licence: $334 fine, 4 demerit points

  • Exceed speed limit by over 20 km/h but not more than 30 km/h

  • All drivers: $574 fine, 4 demerit points

  • Exceed speed limit by over 30 km/h but not more than 45 km/h 

  • All drivers: $1,097 fine, 5 demerit points

  • Exceed speed limit by over 45 km/h 

  • All drivers: $2,959 fine, 6 demerit points

These penalties apply outside of double demerit periods. Fines are also higher if drivers are caught speeding in a school zone. It's understood that fine amounts are also likely to increase from July 1, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current list of speeding penalties in NSW can be viewed here. 

Experts say average speed cameras are one of the most effective tools for reducing speeding-related crashes. "We’re committed to making NSW roads safer. Average speed safety cameras encourage drivers to stick to the speed limit over longer distances, not just when they see a camera," a TfNSW spokesperson said. 

While these cameras have been silently monitoring driver behaviour since their installation, from July 1, they’ll start issuing fines.

But prominent road lawyer Hayder Shkara told Yahoo the move may target the "everyday driver" who drifts between five and 10km/h over the limit while "overtaking or distracted" and not the hoon putting lives at risk.

"Average speed enforcement doesn’t target the hoon doing 130 in a 60 zone who brakes when they see a cop," he said. "This can penalise minor, unintentional lapses, especially when driving for long distances," he told Yahoo News. "The blanket approach lacks nuance—something you’d expect more of if the goal is truly road safety rather than punishing drivers."

"I also think the average speed cameras may encourage drivers to become overly fixated on maintaining speed rather than focusing on overall safety, like adjusting to conditions or anticipating hazards."

Letters have already gone out to residents in affected areas, warning them of the change. The NSW government has also published notices across its website and social media, but many drivers remain unaware. With enforcement beginning July 1, motorists are advised to check their regular routes and ensure they’re sticking to the limit. 

This article originally appeared on Yahoo News Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/aussie-drivers-face-fines-of-up-to-3000-from-major-road-rule-change-just-days-away-040352084.html