‘Blatant cash grab’: Push to turn off NSW’s secret speed cameras

NSW Opposition Leader Chris Minns says it is time to stop what he describes as “a blatant cash grab” since the majority of motorists right now are essential workers.

Labor is urging for secret mobile speed cameras to be scrapped after the State government collected almost $4 million from an extra 25,000 extra fines in one month compared to the same time last year.

With the latest outbreak resulting in the majority of motorists being essential workers, Labor leader Chris Minns said it was time to stop what he described as “a blatant cash grab”.

The latest State government fine data showed a record $3.99 million was collected for speeding fines less than 10km/h over the limit in May this year.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns says it is time to put an end to secret cameras given the only people on the roads at the moment are essential workers. Picture: Christian Gilles

This compares with $193,673 collected in May last year when 1547 fines were collected.

Monthly fines have soared since the Government removed warning signs for the cameras last year.

Warning signs had often been located 250m and 50m ahead of mobile speed cameras to encourage motorists to slow down.

State opposition leader Chris Minns said it was time to put an end to secret cameras given the only people on the roads at the moment were essential workers.

The opposition claim the NSW government’s decision to remove warning signs for mobile speed cameras has resulted in a surge of fines. Picture: Richard Dobson

It was also the case that people slowed down when they saw a proper warning signs – a behaviour that made roads safer, he said.

“In May alone the Government collected almost $4 million from over 25,000 extra fines compared to the same time last year,” Mr Minns said.

“We all want our roads safer. But the lack of signage is only slugging people more at a time they can least afford it.

“How is this an essential service? Sydney is in lockdown and we have the Government going out of its way to slug motorists on the road with low range speeding fines.

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