Almost one in four speeding fines incurred on SA’s country roads
Speed cameras outside of the city are snapping more than their fair share of hasty drivers according to new figures that reveal where country police are handing out the most fines.
Police & Courts
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More than 100,000 drivers were caught speeding on country roads in the past five years.
Despite carrying far less traffic, almost a quarter of all speeding offences caught on mobile speed cameras in recent years occurred on regional roads, the RAA has revealed.
RAA spokesman Charles Mountain said the revelation, on the eve of the October long weekend, that 55 motorists were caught speeding in the country every day was concerning.
In the past five financial years, 431,557 vehicles were caught speeding by mobile speed cameras, of which 24 per cent – or 105,085 – were on regional roads.
“Speeding – especially on roads with limits of 90km/h to 110km/h – can put not only you and your loved ones, but also other roads users at increased risk of death or serious injury,” Mr Mountain said.
“Motorists must also be aware of speed limit changes as they near towns or approach road works and adjust their speed accordingly.”
Mr Mountain said recent interstate and international COVID-19 travel restrictions meant many South Australians were holidaying in their home state during the school break.
That was highlighted by RAA travel accommodation bookings in SA, which had quadrupled compared to the same time last year.
“Roads in regional SA – especially those areas popular with holiday-makers – will be busier than normal this long weekend so we urge drivers to remain vigilant and exercise caution,” Mr Mountain said.
“If you’re planning on getting away for the long weekend, make sure you drive to the conditions, plan regular rest breaks and put your safety and that of other road users at the top of your driving agenda.”
Police figures showed that. in the past five financial years, the highest number of speeding drivers were caught in the Adelaide Hills district (35,460), followed by Barossa, Light and Lower North (18,160) and Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island (16,772).
Mobile speed cameras were often deployed in the Adelaide Hills, on key highways and in the Barossa Valley.
Meanwhile, the RAA has launched its 2020 Regional Safety Grants.
RAA insurance spokesman Shaun Ryan said the grants had supported more than 100 regional and community groups since 2013. “We have provided more than $360,000 in funding to 114 worthy causes across the state,” he said.