Hidden mobile speed cameras fined drivers more than $70m in 2021

The record-breaking amount of revenue raked in by mobile speed cameras in 2021 has been revealed, with low range fines up 750 per cent since warnings were removed.

Secret mobile speed cameras raked in more than $46 million in fines for drivers going less than 10km over the limit last year, an extraordinary 750 per cent increase on fines issued in 2020.

The total amount of money raised by mobile speed cameras last year can now be revealed, with the cameras’ fine revenue topping $73.6 million.

The record amount of money raised in 2021 comes despite Sydney and much of regional NSW spending 108 days in lockdown.

In a partial backflip after widespread anger, the state government last year pledged to put large signs on the top of mobile speed camera vehicles. The signs won’t begin to be installed until the end of next month.

Without signs to warn drivers, mobile speed cameras raked in record revenue. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It came after Premier Dominic Perrottet told The Daily Telegraph that he was concerned removing warning signs had prioritised revenue raising over keeping motorists safe.

Following Andrew Constance’s resignation as Transport Minister, the Premier tasked replacement Rob Stokes and former Regional Roads Minister Paul Toole with reworking the mobile speed camera policy.

Warning signs were progressively removed from mobile speed cameras from November in 2020.

In that year, 38,700 fines were issued for drivers going less than 10km over the speed limit, totalling about $4.9 million.

But in the full year of 2021, when mobile speed cameras also tripled their hours of operation, the amount of low range speeding fines issued skyrocketed to 332,900 – an increase of 840 per cent. That led to almost $46.3 million in fines.

NSW Opposition leader Chris Minns has criticised the government’s speed camera policy. Picture: Damian Shaw

Labor Leader Chris Minns has vowed to revert to the original warning signs policy if elected in 2023.

He accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise to put signs on the roof of mobile speed camera vehicles.

“This Government has form on announcing changes but failing to act,” he said.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Tara McCarthy said signs will start to appear on vehicles from February 21.

“The remaining signage will be rolled out over the next few months with priority to be placed on unmarked vehicles,” she said.

Nationals MP Wes Fang, a vocal critic of the plan to remove warning signs, said recently announced changes should see less people secretly fined.

“I’ve been assured by the Deputy Premier’s office that the new signage should dramatically cut the number of low range speeding fines that are issued, which is my biggest concern.

“I will be looking closely at the figures to ensure that mums and dads and tradies who aren’t dangerous hoons aren’t unfairly penalised by a draconian speed enforcement system.”