Revealed: Massive cost of removing speed warnings in Lismore electorate

It’s been almost 12 months since speed camera warning signs were removed, and it’s costing drivers in the Lismore electorate dearly, new data has revealed.

Lismore drivers have copped a massive amount in fines since the warning to speed cameras were removed across the electorate. Photo: Alison Paterson

More than 1535 fines have been issued and $211,139 collected from drivers in the Lismore electorate since speed warning signs were removed almost 12 months ago.

The startling new data, from the office of Lismore MP Janelle Saffin, reveals drivers across the electorate have been slugged with a 592 per cent increase in fines for low range speeding offences of less than 10km per hour since the change in legislation was made mid-November 2020.

The statistics are compared to a 282 fines for Lismore drivers, costing $35,662, in the six months prior to the change.

It has led Ms Saffin to join forces with NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns in calling for the state government to reintroduce the warning signs.

“We all want safer roads, but this is looking like a blatant cash grab,” Ms Saffin said.

“The numbers speak for themselves. The amount of fines issued shows the government’s decision to remove warning signs have not slowed drivers down.

“The fact of the matter is people slow down when they see proper warning signs – and that makes our roads safe.”

Lismore MP Janelle MP Saffin has joined forces with NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns in calling for the NSW Government to reintroduce the warning signs.

Ms Saffin said these hidden speed cameras did nothing to slow people down and instead hit families and workers who were already beaten down by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Warning signs display speed limits for drivers, which acts an alert to check speeds and slow down if they need to,” she said.

Ms Saffin also noted most local drivers could suffer from speeding just 10km/h over the limit.

“If enough points accumulate and people lose their licences it can lead to job losses and major impacts on their whole lives and those of their family members,” she said.

“The current points system is probably in need of review.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said real issue was how many people are driving above the limit and putting their own and other’s lives at risk.

“Speeding is the biggest killer on our roads, with almost 50 percent of fatalities last year caused by someone travelling at an inappropriate speed,” he said.

“The changes to the mobile speed camera program are already seeing a change in driver behaviour, with 3.5 drivers caught by the cameras per hour of enforcement in June, compared with 5 drivers per hour in February, and we want that downward trend to continue.”

Mr Toole said over the 2020-21 financial year, the number of deaths on NSW roads dropped by 56 compared with the last three financial years’ average.

“Nobody likes getting a fine in the mail but what’s much worse is getting a knock on the door to say a loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a crash where the driver was speeding,” he said.

“All fines are reinvested through the Community Road Safety Fund, with a focus on safety upgrades such as rumble strips and safety barriers.”