Mobile speed camera revenue increased after warning signs removed

There was a massive increase in fines after mobile speed camera warning signs were ­removed in late 2020, it can be revealed. See the top 15 speed camera revenue raisers by location.

Mobile speed cameras are collecting as much as 10 times more revenue from motorists after the decision by the state government to remove warning signs.

While the government has since undertaken a partial backflip on the controversial policy to remove the signs, motorists will still only see warnings at the ­location of the camera rather than before.

The NSW Opposition is calling for a ­return of advance warnings, with many of the top speed camera earners located in Western Sydney.

Mobile speed cameras collect millions in revenue.

An analysis of Revenue NSW fine data for drivers going less than 10km/h over the speed limit has revealed Pennant Hills Rd in Carlingford has become the most ­lucrative mobile speed camera since signs were removed.

Fine revenue on the southbound side was $56,774 for ­December 2019 to November 2020. After signs were ­removed it jumped to $570,008 the following year.

And the number of fines issued in the period increased from 420 to 4148.

Knox Rd southbound in Doonside near Blacktown was the next biggest revenue earner following the removal of warning signs, with 3533 fines issued, raising $485,182.

In the previous year, when warning signs were in place, there were 214 fines issued worth a total of $26,522.

Warning signs were ­removed in late 2020 under Gladys Berejiklian as part of a raft of measures to tackle speeding, including increased enforcement hours.

Dominic Perrottet backtracked on the policy, promising to return signs. However, the signs would be fixed to the roof of vehicles rather than placed in advance to give motorists time to slow down.

Labor has raised safety concerns about that placement of signs vehicles, which it warns could lead to sudden braking.

State opposition roads spokesman John Graham said encouraging motorists to drive safely required a mix of cameras, warning signs and high ­visibility policing.

“This government has drifted out of touch with ordinary drivers. They will need a new safe down at Treasury just to stash these millions,” he said.

Roads Minister Natalie Ward said placing signs on the camera cars is “about striking the right balance between high-visibility for those trying to do the right thing, without giving a free pass to hoons”.

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