Camera signs hit speed bump as ‘won’t fit’ in new cars

A plan to bring back speed camera warning signs has hit an expensive snag with operators claiming the old large signs will not fit in the downsized vehicles used by contractors.

A plan to bring back speed camera warning signs has hit an expensive snag with operators claiming the old large signs will not fit in the downsized vehicles used by contractors.

Two camera operators have told The Sunday Telegraph how the vehicles being used have no room for A-frame warning signs with much of the internal space taken up by equipment.

Many of the vehicles used for the multi-directional speed enforcement activities were also smaller than those that had been used prior the advance warning signs being scrapped two years ago.

Speed camera operators had been placing the smaller warning signs on car roofs until the NSW government announced a return to the advance signs following a public backlash.

State opposition roads spokesman John Graham said the cost of fixing signs to the top of enforcement vehicles was $2.6 million.

The removal of the advance signs and the subsequent policy reversal was expected cost even more.

A speed camera at work in North Willoughby. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Graham said Roads Minister Natalie Ward has refused to answer questions about whether the advance warning signs would fit into the cars.

“We don’t know the size of that bill. After two years of confusion, what is the cost to taxpayers here?” Mr Graham said.

“The Government hasn’t admitted the total cost of their chopping and changing warning sign policy.”

“What we do know is Government has now spent millions in the last two years removing signs, introducing fixed signs, adding signs to the roofs of vehicles, polling the community about signs, before scrapping the survey and bringing back the signs.”

Two camera operators who contacted The Sunday Telegraph after revelations Transport for NSW was urging contractors not to “hide” in bushes or between cars when nabbing motorists claimed the signs used two years ago would be too larger to fit in many of the cars.

“The entire rear of the vehicles in current use is taken up with camera equipment,” a G4S speed camera operator said.

“No doubt a smaller sign will have to be produced.”

Ms Ward said all mobile speed cameras will include portable warning signage on the approach to, and after, enforcement sites from January 1 next year.

Transport for NSW Safety, Environment and Regulation deputy secretary Tara McCarthy said the department was ensuring the contracted camera operators had the appropriate time to adjust and implement the changes correctly and safely.

“Transport is currently working with vendors regarding the implementation of the change,” she said.

“Costs will be met within Transport’s existing budget.”