Where motorists are being stung for speeding in Wyndham

Road safety cameras at one Wyndham site have raked in $43.2 million in fines over the past five years, figures show — about $23,600 a day. A Leader analysis of camera data has revealed where motorists are most likely to be stung in the area.

Motorists travelling both ways on the Princes Freeway are being stung by speed cameras on the Forsyth Road Bridge.

Road safety cameras at one Wyndham site have raked in $43.2 million in fines over the past five years, figures show.

A Leader analysis of financial year camera data during 2013-18 found cameras at Forsyth Road Bridge focused on in and outbound lanes of the Princes Freeway snapped more than 194,000 times during that time.

This equates to about $23,600 in earnings a day, not factoring in times when cameras have been switched off for maintenance or testing.

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 lost their lives on Victoria’s roads so far this year, up from 80 this time last year.

Speed cameras above signs on the inbound lanes of the Western Ring Rd, near the Boundary Road exit, Laverton North.

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.

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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 Wyndham 2013-18

1. Forsyth Road Bridge, Geelong-bound on the Princes Freeway, Point Cook — $23.3 million in fines

2. Forsyth Road Bridge, Melbourne-bound on the Princes Freeway, Hoppers Crossing — $19.9 million

3. Point Wilson Road Bridge, on the Princes Freeway, Little River — $12.1 million

4. Boundary Rd south gantry to Western Ring Rd, Laverton North — $10.5 million

5. Point Wilson Road Bridge, Geelong-bound on the Princes Freeway, Point Wilson — $8.7 million