NSW Speeding: Top 20 fastest speeds recorded on Sydney roads in past year

The top 20 fastest speeds reached on Sydney’s roads have been revealed, as authorities warn of the dangers involved in street racing as well as “casual speeding”.

NSW Speeding: Top 20 fastest speeds recorded on Sydney roads in 2022-2023

The top 20 fastest speeds reached on Sydney roads have revealed a frightening trend of “street racing”.

In 2023, the highest speed for which an infringement was issued was for a car reaching 253km/hr in the WestConnex M4 Tunnel, during a “street race”.

The driver was sentenced in a Sydney court earlier this year.

From 2018 to 2022, the highest recorded speed by a camera for which an infringement was issued was for a vehicle speeding at 244km/hr in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel in 2020, according to Transport for NSW.

The data reveals six of the 10 fastest speeds were allegedly committed in the WestConnex Tunnel and M4 motorway.

According to Road Safety NSW, almost 140 people die and 1,145 people are seriously injured in NSW from speed‑related crashes yearly.

Most speeding deaths arise from no more than 10km over the speed limit, despite the risk of crashing doubling per 5km over.

Hills Shire Police Crime Manager, Inspector Matt Harris said “nothing good comes from speeding”, having been at the scene of numerous tragedies first-hand.

Speeding in NSW contributes to around 41 per cent of road fatalities and 24 per cent of serious injuries each year.

Insp. Harris said tests conducted show the “considerably different” distance that speeds even marginally higher take to reach a stop.

“Minor speeding could be the difference between serious injury or death,” he said.

Mr Harris said police investigate too many serious incidents as is, without the dangers of street racing.

Inspector Matt Harris.

“Police don’t want to see anyone involved in an accident – the driver or others. Pedestrians don’t assume anyone would be coming at such speeds – or be alert to it,” Mr Harris said.

Deputy Secretary of Safety for Transport for NSW Sally Webb said speeding was the largest contributor to crashes on NSW roads.

“Driving is a privilege, and all motorists must stick to the speed limit and drive to the conditions so everyone makes it to their destination safely,” Ms Webb said.

Ms Webb said a small difference in speed makes a huge difference to the likelihood of death or serious injury.

Sally Webb, Transport for NSW.

“There’s never an excuse for speeding and those who choose to break the rules will feel the full force of the law,” she said.

“Strong penalties including the loss of licence, or having your vehicle impounded are in place for those who choose to take extreme risks behind the wheel.”

A serious speeding offence is defined by driving more than 30km over the speed limit or driving with a licence disqualified or suspended and exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km.

A NSW magistrate said all drivers should educate themselves on the risks of speeding.

NSW Magistrate Julia Virgo encouraged all drivers to enrol in the “Traffic Offenders Program”, which provides insight into the risks of speeding.

“It teaches everyone a lot about how regular speeds can harm people. People assume they’re immune from impact driving in their little cages,” Ms Virgo said.

She said NSW courts deal harshly with driving offences due to the tragedies the court is faced with daily.

“The excuse that you need your license for work does not exempt the court from deterring others from speeding or drink driving,” she said.

Ms Virgo said the community expects courts to comply with strict legislation to ensure the safety of road users.