The month of March became the second highest month on record in NSW for mobile speed camera fines.

With record fine revenue flowing into government coffers, it seems drivers are paying the price for the Government’s removal of mobile speed camera warning signs.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said she feared that the NSW Government appeared to be putting revenue raising ahead of a genuine concern for public safety on our roads.

“We know that mobile speed cameras, clearly identified with warning signs on approach, do work in reducing motorists’ speed and making us all safer,” Ms Saffin said.

The March figures for mobile speed cameras show 23,149 fines were issued - the second highest month on record since the cameras were introduced. The revenue raised from mobile speed cameras in March was $5,272,000. 

The number of mobile speed camera fines issued in February has also now been upgraded to 33,634, a massive jump from 1,859 fines a year ago and the highest month on record. Revenue in February was $6,248,000.

The increase in fine revenue is so sharp that it has lead Treasury to upgrade its estimates for total government fine revenue from all sources by $70 million to $722 million by the end of the financial year. These figures were revealed at Budget Estimates.

NSW Shadow Minister for Roads John Graham said the government has launched ‘fine-mania’ in addition to its exorbitant revenue raising efforts through toll roads.

“Drivers will lose their licences in record numbers. Some will lose their jobs. Meanwhile government fine revenue is going through the roof," Mr Graham said.

“They will be popping champagne corks down at the Treasury when they see these record figures."

Mr Graham said the increase is due to the state government scrapping warning signs for mobile speed cameras and removing the livery from vehicles conducting mobile speed checks.

“It’s astonishing to note that fines are expected to increase further when the NSW Government rolls out extended mobile speed cameras operating hours. Mobile speed camera hours will leap from 7,000 hours to 21,000 hours each month. That rollout will occur in the second half of 2021," he said.

“Ads and warnings signs on the road are a more effective deterrent for drivers than a fine in the mail six weeks later.

“The government should invest some of this record revenue back into driver education.”