NSW speeding fines more than double in one year since removing warning signs

The eye-watering amount collected in speeding fines across NSW since a controversial new rule was introduced has been revealed.

Mobile speed cameras have slapped NSW drivers with more fines and collected more money in the past year since removing warning signs than in the five years prior, government data has revealed.

Speeding fines have skyrocketed with almost $40.4 million issued to drivers caught less than 10km over the speed limit in the 12 months to December.

Only $14.8 million in fines were issued for the same offence over the five years leading up to 2021.

For all speeding fines, a total of $64 million was issued in the past 12 months compared to $38.6 million in the five years prior.

Earlier this month speed cameras without warning signs were slammed at a parliamentary inquiry with former roads minister Duncan Gay saying the decision to remove the signs was wrong.

Mobile speed cameras have slapped NSW drivers with more fines and collected more money in the past year since removing warning signs than in the five years prior, government data has revealed. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It has officially been one year since the decision was made to remove the signs and more than triple the hours of operation on the roads.

Mr Gay, who was the state’s roads minister between 2011 and 2017, told the inquiry he believed the government made the move in “good faith” but it ultimately was the “wrong decision”.

“It is not the decision I made on the evidence that was before me at the time, but I believe they have made it in good faith with the advice they’ve had at hand,” Mr Gay said.

Mr Gay told the inquiry the best safety incentive was a “marked police car with a copper in it”, which had the same effect as signposting cameras.

Speeding fines have skyrocketed with almost $40.4 million issued for drivers caught driving less than 10km over the speed limit in the 12 months to December. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The inquiry was told fines were having more of an effect on NSW residents with less money, and it was proving to be harder for drivers to lose their licence in a regional area with less access to public transport.

Labor leader Chris Minns has called for warning signs to be reinstated.

“This government has really put the pedal to the metal when it comes to raising revenue from NSW motorists,” he said.

“It’s time for the Premier to put his money where his mouth is – put warning signs back up.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said changes to the program were set to be made “shortly”.

“Mr Gay had a great perspective, a sensible perspective on things … I can assure you the NSW government is looking at it,” he said.

Originally published as NSW speeding fines more than double in one year since removing warning signs