The top five fixed speed cameras stinging Tasmanian motorists

New data has revealed the top five fixed speed cameras stinging Tasmanian motorists — and one location stands out by a mile.

Data collected from the state’s 10 fixed speed cameras has revealed the top spots drivers were detected exceeding the limit. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

DESPITE the warning signs, the fixed speed cameras on the Tasman Bridge in Hobart continue to rake in the most revenue across the state.

The permanent cameras on the east and west ends of the five-lane bridge detected 1541 leadfoots in the 12 months to July 1, Tasmania Police data provided to the Mercury revealed .

During the same period 1152 drivers were caught speeding on the Bass Highway at East Devonport, 1035 on the Southern Outlet at Tolmans Hill, 651 on the Brooker Highway at Rosetta and 581 on the Brooker Highway at Cornelian Bay near the Domain Highway exit.

The Tasman Bridge provides the main traffic route from the CBD to the Eastern Shore.

The 10 permanent cameras located across Tasmania detected a total of 6182 speeding motorists last financial year, compared to 11,410 in 2017-18.

Tasmania Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Richard Cowling said the number was down due to “extensive maintenance” works to ensure the equipment was up to scratch.

He said anecdotal evidence also suggested an increased awareness of speed camera locations and subsequent temporary changes in driver behaviour.

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Of those caught, 5480 were doing less than 15km/h over the limit, 681 were travelling between 15-29km/h over and 21 were clocked exceeding the limit by 30km/h or more.

The detection data does not correlate directly with the number of fines issued due to withdrawals, cautions and the outcomes of court proceedings.

But the Justice Department collected $654,286 in speed camera revenue in 2018-19, which equates to $1792 a day.

In 2017-18 they raked in an eye-watering $1.13 million, which is close to $3100 a day.

The permanent speed camera on the Southern Outlet at Tolmans Hill.

Police officers using radar guns nabbed a further 41,375 drivers exceeding the limit in 2018-19 — an increase of 462 detections when compared with the previous year.

Mr Cowling said speed remained the number one factor in fatal and serious injury crashes.

He said excessive speed and inappropriate speed for the conditions contributed to 20 per cent of crashes between July 1 last year and March 31 this year.

“Our aim is to educate motorists to keep within the speed limit,” Mr Cowling said.

“Fixed speed cameras are only one of a number of speed enforcement strategies we use. Others include mobile speed detection devices, high visibility patrols and unmarked police vehicles and motorcycles.

“Remember we could be anywhere, any time, in any vehicle, so please drive safely.”

Mr Cowling said Tasmania Police was currently working with the State Growth Road Safety Branch to identify and assess both contemporary and emerging automated speed enforcement technologies aimed at reducing the extent of road trauma.

The project, which is expected to be finalised over the next 18 months to two years, will determine which technologies best suit the Tasmanian environment.

THE TOP FIVE FIXED TASMANIAN SPEED CAMERAS IN 2018-19:

Tasman Bridge (both directions) — 1541

Bass Highway, East Devonport — 1152

Southern Outlet, Tolmans Hill — 1035

Brooker Highway, Rosetta — 651

Brooker Highway, Cornelian Bay — 581

THE 10 FIXED SPEED CAMERAS LOCATED ACROSS THE STATE:

Tasman Bridge East

Tasman Bridge West

Brooker Highway, Rosetta

Brooker Highway, Cornelian Bay

Southern Outlet, Tolmans Hill

Tasman Highway, Cambridge Eastbound

Midland Highway, Campbell Town

Midland Highway, Kings Meadows

Bass Highway, East Devonport

Bass Highway, Round Hill (Burnie)