Where speeding drivers are caught in Melbourne’s north and northwestern suburbs

A Leader analysis has revealed the roads where motorists are most likely to get stung in Melbourne’s north and northwest, with one spot on the Western Ring Rd racking up $40.6 million in fines over the past five years.

Western Ring Rd — particularly near Sydney Rd, is a common spot for speeding fines. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Road safety cameras on one busy road in the northwest have raked in $40.6 million in fines over the past five years — more than $22,000 a day.

A Leader analysis of financial year camera data from 2013-18 has revealed where motorists are most likely to get stung in Melbourne’s north and northwest.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE WORST SPOTS IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Top of the list was a spot on the Western Ring Rd, about 1.6km west of Sydney Rd (Broadmeadows) where drivers were fined $40.6 million during the five-year period.

Thousands of speeding drivers were caught at the intersection of Geelong Rd and Droop St in Footscray — Maribyrnong’s top spot, which raked in $10.1 million.

Whittlesea’s most lucrative site on the Hume Freeway, between Amaroo and O’Herns roads, earned $7.8 million from 31,512 fines.

Meanwhile the junction of Bell St and St Georges Rd in Preston was the highest money-spinner in Darebin, at $4.4 million in fines during 2013-18.

Victoria’s most lucrative camera site during the five-year period was at the junction of Warrigal and Batesford roads at Chadstone, with more than 250,000 fines issued and $58.2 million collected.

More than 120 people have died on Victoria’s roads so far this year, up from 80 this time last year.

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Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman Ashleigh Brown said speed cameras were critical in keeping drivers accountable and safe.

“Speed is a factor in at least 30 per cent of fatal crashes in Victoria and also impacts on the severity of any injuries suffered,” she said.

The intersection of Bell St and St Georges Rd in Preston was the top spot for speeding fines in Darebin.

Ms Brown said revenue from speed and red-light cameras went into the Better Roads Victoria Trust Account, which was used to improve safety and efficiency on the state’s roads.

A Monash University Accident Research Centre study found a 47 per cent reduction in crashes resulting in death or injury at intersections where cameras were installed.

Ms Brown said most motorists were doing the right thing, but there were people who continued to take risks every day.

“We know that speeding kills and yet people still think they know better than the experts who set the appropriate speed limits,” she said.

Speed camera hot spots in your neighbourhood 2013-18

Darebin

1. Bell St and St Georges Rd, Preston — $4.4 million

2. St Georges and Arthurton roads, Northcote — $4.2 million

3. Albert and Gower streets, Preston — $4 million

4. St Georges Rd and Normanby Ave, Thornbury — $3.9 million

5. Bell St and Plenty Rd, Preston — $2.8 million

Maribyrnong

1. Geelong Rd and Droop St, Footscray — $10.1 million

2. Ballarat Rd and Ashley St, Maidstone — $5 million

3. Somerville and Geelong roads, Yarraville — $4.3 million

4. Duke St and Ballarat Rd, Braybrook — $3.1 million

5. Geelong St and Geelong Rd, Kingsville — $1.9 million

Hume

1. Western Ring Rd, west of Sydney Rd, Broadmeadows (lane 4) — $15.8 million

2. Western Ring Rd, west of Sydney Rd, Broadmeadows (lane 3) — $9.7 million

3. Western Ring Rd, west of Sydney Rd, Broadmeadows (lane 2) — $8.1 million

4. Western Ring Rd, west of Sydney Rd, Broadmeadows (lane 1) — $7 million

5. Barry Rd and King St, Dallas — $3.7 million

Moreland

1. Sussex and O’Hea streets, Pascoe Vale South — $3.6 million

2. Western Ring Rd, about 600m west of Sydney Rd, Glenroy (lane 3) — $3 million

3. Gaffney St and Sydney Rd, Coburg — $2.9 million

4. Gaffney St and Sydney Rd, Coburg — $2.9 million

5. Western Ring Rd, about 600m west of Sydney Rd, Glenroy (lane 2) — $1.8 million

Whittlesea

1. Hume Freeway, southbound, between Amaroo Rd, Craigieburn and O’Herns roads, Epping — $7.8 million

2. Mahoneys Rd and High St, Thomastown — $6.3 million

3. Hume Freeway, southbound near O’Herns Rd, Epping (lane 2) — $3.2 million

4. Hume Freeway, Beveridge — $1.9 million

5. Hume Freeway, southbound near O’Herns Rd, Epping (lane 1) — $1.4 million