NSW drivers lash sneaky mobile speed camera trick
Motorists are blasting authorities over the sneaky placement of mobile speed cameras, which some have lashed as a greedy “money-making” tactic.
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NSW motorists are blasting authorities for the sneaky placement of mobile speed cameras, which they believe are purposely catching motorists without prior warning.
Images sent to 2GB radio host, Ben Fordham show a vehicle with a mobile speed camera, however the sign warning motorists to slow down was hidden by a branch.
The camera was located on Palmyra Avenue, Lethbridge Park in western Sydney.
In a Facebook post, Fordham said the photos were about “playing gotcha” and about “making money”. Under NSW road rules, vehicles with mobile speed camera signs must be made visible by a sign which sits on top of the vehicle, however there is no need for a warning sign which appears before the speed camera.
“There’s a ‘warning sign’ on the roof. But it’s hidden by the leaves,” he wrote.
“If you were driving past – there’s no chance you’d see it. If these cameras are hidden – this can’t be about changing behaviour. It’s about making money.”
Speaking to the presenter on 2GB on Monday morning, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said he would not be making any changes to the system, adding that “the new way is the better way”.
“I didn’t like that we were playing ‘gotcha’ with motorists across the state but we do know that two-thirds of fatal road accidents that occur in NSW are when people are speeding less than 10km/h over the speed limit,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I want a safe position in place. The funds that we receive from these vehicles go straight to road safety.
“I think that’s a fair way of doing things.”
A similar image shared to a NSW Facebook group also had members enraged.
The photo featured a mobile speed camera targeting drivers travelling westbound on the Great Western Highway in Blaxland near the Blue Mountains, however a large part of the sign was obstructed by a tree.
Comments on the post accused the obstructed sign of being a “revenue raising” tactic in order to fine drivers going over the speed limit.
“That one pic tells you the actual intent behind these mobile cameras,” one commenter wrote.
“If they were serious about slowing people down for “safety” he would be parked on the road not hiding in the bushes,” shared another.
Others took issue that the car was parked on the nature strip outside the home. Although the move is technically legal, commenters said it had the potential to obstruct the footpath.
“That’s so wrong that they’re legally allowed to park on the foot path like that,” one comment read.
The rule around the need to give forewarning around mobile speed cameras was removed in November 2020. This meant mobile speed cameras needed no prior identification. However, this rule was reinstated in December 2021 after speeding fines skyrocketed by $20m.
After announcing that the rules would be revised, Mr Perrottet said that mobile speed cameras should not be used as “revenue raisers”.
“It’s all about road safety and reducing the road toll,” he said.
Backing the changes, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the state government had struck “the right balance” between giving motorists a fair go, while also punishing those who were purposely driving over the speed limit.
“They are large enough and obvious enough that anyone that’s paying attention on our roads should see them in time to be able to adjust their behaviour before being caught if they have slipped slightly over the speed limit,” he said.
“We need to strike the right balance between giving a fair go to the majority who are trying to do the right thing and ensuring those few who continue to deliberately risk lives cop the fine they deserve.”
Originally published as NSW drivers lash sneaky mobile speed camera trick
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