New road safety trial targets speeding drivers as fatalities rise
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As we navigate the roads of our vast and beautiful country, safety remains a paramount concern for all Australians.
However, with the number of road fatalities alarmingly on the rise, authorities are taking decisive action to curb this disturbing trend.
For millions of drivers across the nation, this means adapting to a major change in the way speed is monitored—and it's time to brace for the 'letters' that might soon be arriving in your mailbox.
In New South Wales, a state pioneering road safety initiatives, a new trial could revolutionise how we think about speed enforcement.
Average speed cameras, which have been used to monitor the speed of heavy vehicles, are now set to expand their watchful gaze to include all vehicles by mid-2025.
This system is not about capturing your speed at a single point; instead, it calculates your average speed over a designated stretch of road by recording the times you enter and exit the monitored section.
You'll be hit with fines and demerit points if your average speed exceeds the limit.
While the exact date for the expansion of this trial to include all vehicles is still being finalised, a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson has confirmed that it's definitely on the agenda.
The NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, has been vocal about the potential benefits of this technology, which has been effective in other states and countries such as the UK, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands.
'This is the right time to investigate whether lives can be saved by using average speed cameras for all vehicles, not only trucks,' he stated.
'It is our responsibility to properly evaluate whether they are effective in preventing another family and another friendship circle from being devastated—which is the sad result every time someone dies on NSW roads.'
Before the trials begin, the government plans to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public about average-speed cameras.
Additionally, a 60-day warning letter will allow motorists to adjust to their presence in selected locations.
Speeding is the leading cause of road fatalities in NSW, responsible for 41 per cent of all deaths in the past decade.
The trials will take place on sections of the Pacific Highway and the Hume Highway in regional NSW, areas that have seen a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022.
With 1,300 lives lost, the death toll has surged to levels not seen since before the mandatory introduction of seatbelts in the 1960s.
The last quarter of the year alone saw a staggering 359 deaths.
As we face this urgent warning, it's clear that bold action is needed.
The introduction of average speed cameras is just one of the many steps to ensure our roads are safer for everyone.
It reminds all drivers that we are responsible for keeping our roads safe—not just for ourselves, but for our fellow Australians.
Let's show that we value the safety of our communities above all else.
And when that 'letter' arrives, let it be a reminder of the lives we might be saved by adhering to the speed limits.
In other news, authorities urged drivers to reduce speed as new road safety measures, including 3D 'dragon’s teeth' markings, rolled out ahead of the school year.
Designed to grab attention and highlight reduced speed zones, these markings were part of a study to enhance safety in key areas. You can read more about it here.
Have you had experiences with average-speed cameras, or do you have thoughts on this new trial? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below. Together, we can navigate these changes and continue enjoying the open road's freedom safely and responsibly.
However, with the number of road fatalities alarmingly on the rise, authorities are taking decisive action to curb this disturbing trend.
For millions of drivers across the nation, this means adapting to a major change in the way speed is monitored—and it's time to brace for the 'letters' that might soon be arriving in your mailbox.
In New South Wales, a state pioneering road safety initiatives, a new trial could revolutionise how we think about speed enforcement.
Average speed cameras, which have been used to monitor the speed of heavy vehicles, are now set to expand their watchful gaze to include all vehicles by mid-2025.
Average speed cameras are being trialled in NSW to curb vehicle speeds, with expansion planned for all vehicles by mid-2025. Credit: zstockphotos / iStock
This system is not about capturing your speed at a single point; instead, it calculates your average speed over a designated stretch of road by recording the times you enter and exit the monitored section.
You'll be hit with fines and demerit points if your average speed exceeds the limit.
While the exact date for the expansion of this trial to include all vehicles is still being finalised, a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) spokesperson has confirmed that it's definitely on the agenda.
The NSW Minister for Roads, John Graham, has been vocal about the potential benefits of this technology, which has been effective in other states and countries such as the UK, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands.
'This is the right time to investigate whether lives can be saved by using average speed cameras for all vehicles, not only trucks,' he stated.
'It is our responsibility to properly evaluate whether they are effective in preventing another family and another friendship circle from being devastated—which is the sad result every time someone dies on NSW roads.'
Before the trials begin, the government plans to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public about average-speed cameras.
Additionally, a 60-day warning letter will allow motorists to adjust to their presence in selected locations.
Speeding is the leading cause of road fatalities in NSW, responsible for 41 per cent of all deaths in the past decade.
The trials will take place on sections of the Pacific Highway and the Hume Highway in regional NSW, areas that have seen a combined total of six fatalities and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by the grim statistics: 2024 was the deadliest year on Australian roads in over a decade.With 1,300 lives lost, the death toll has surged to levels not seen since before the mandatory introduction of seatbelts in the 1960s.
The last quarter of the year alone saw a staggering 359 deaths.
As we face this urgent warning, it's clear that bold action is needed.
The introduction of average speed cameras is just one of the many steps to ensure our roads are safer for everyone.
It reminds all drivers that we are responsible for keeping our roads safe—not just for ourselves, but for our fellow Australians.
So, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, let's lead by example and embrace these changes with open arms.Let's show that we value the safety of our communities above all else.
And when that 'letter' arrives, let it be a reminder of the lives we might be saved by adhering to the speed limits.
In other news, authorities urged drivers to reduce speed as new road safety measures, including 3D 'dragon’s teeth' markings, rolled out ahead of the school year.
Designed to grab attention and highlight reduced speed zones, these markings were part of a study to enhance safety in key areas. You can read more about it here.
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