The trial for light vehicles is set to begin on 1 May 2025, with
a 14-month duration (ending in June 2026). The trial includes two
phases:
1. Warning Mode (1 May 2025 – 30 June 2025):
• For the first 60
days, drivers detected speeding by 30 km/h or less will receive a warning
letter instead of a fine or demerit points. This grace period allows
motorists to adjust to the new enforcement system.
• Drivers exceeding the
speed limit by more than 30 km/h may face immediate fines, demerit points, or
court proceedings, depending on the severity.
2. Enforcement Mode (1 July 2025 – June 2026):
• After the 60-day
warning period, full enforcement will begin, with speeding drivers facing fines,
demerit points, and potential licence suspension. For example:
• Exceeding
the speed limit by 31–44 km/h: $1,097 fine and 5 demerit points.
• Exceeding by
45 km/h or more: $2,959 fine, 6 demerit points, and an immediate
6-month licence suspension.
The NSW Government will report the trial’s outcomes to Parliament in 2026,
and any decision to make the cameras permanent will require legislative
approval.
To ensure awareness, the government is implementing a comprehensive
communications campaign, including print, radio, social media, variable
messaging signs, mobile billboards, and clear warning signs at camera
locations.
Exact Locations of the Average Speed Cameras
The trial will take place on two regional highways selected due to their
crash histories, which include a combined total of six fatalities
and 33 serious injuries between 2018 and 2022. The locations are:
1. Pacific Highway: Between Kew and Lake
Innes (Port Macquarie):
• Distance: 15
kilometres between cameras.
• Location Details:
This stretch is on the mid-north coast of NSW, near Port Macquarie, a busy
regional route with a history of crashes.
• Signage: Advance warning signs displaying “AVERAGE SPEED SAFETY
CAMERA” will be installed on each approach to alert drivers.
2. Hume Highway: Between Coolac
and Gundagai:
• Distance: 16
kilometres between cameras.
• Location Details:
Located in the Riverina region, north of Gundagai, this section is another
high-risk area for road trauma.
• Signage: Similar
warning signs will be in place to notify drivers of the average speed
enforcement zone.
These locations already have average speed camera infrastructure for
heavy vehicles, making them ideal for the trial. Data shows that nearly 80%
of fatalities and serious injuries at the existing 31 average speed camera
sites in NSW (2018–2022) involved light vehicles, justifying the expansion to
all vehicle types.
Why Is NSW Trialling Average Speed Cameras?
The trial is a response to a rising road toll in NSW, with 227
road deaths recorded in 2024 (two more than the same period in 2023). It
was recommended by the 2024 NSW Road Safety Forum, which included 155
road safety experts, and is supported by organisations like Safer Australian
Roads and Highways (SARAH) and the NRMA. Key reasons for the trial
include:
• Speeding as a Major Killer: Speeding
contributes to 44% of road deaths in NSW (2023 data), particularly in
regional areas.
• Proven Effectiveness: Average speed
cameras have reduced fatalities and serious injuries by 50% for heavy
vehicles in NSW and up to 49% in international studies (e.g., Norway).
• Regional Focus: Two-thirds of NSW road
deaths occur in regional areas, making these highways priority locations for
intervention.
• Fairer Enforcement: Average speed
cameras are seen as a “fairer” method than single-point cameras, as they
measure sustained speeding over a distance.
The trial aims to assess whether average speed cameras can reduce
speeding and road trauma for light vehicles, potentially leading to a
state-wide rollout if successful.
Implications for Drivers and Legal Considerations
The introduction of average speed cameras increases the risk of speeding
fines, demerit points, and licence suspension for drivers who
fail to comply with speed limits. Common penalties include:
• Fines: Ranging from $144
(low-range speeding) to $2,959 (high-range speeding).
• Demerit Points: 1–6 points, depending
on the severity of the offence.
• Licence Suspension: Immediate
suspension for exceeding the limit by 45 km/h or more, or
accumulating excessive demerit points.
• Criminal Charges: Serious speeding
offences (e.g., exceeding the limit by 45 km/h) may lead to court proceedings
and a criminal record.
If you receive a speeding fine or face licence suspension due to an
average speed camera detection, you have options:
1. Challenge the Fine: You can request a
review of the infringement notice or contest it in court if you believe the
camera was inaccurate or the penalty is unfair.
2. Appeal a Licence Suspension: If your
licence is suspended, you can appeal to the Local Court under Section
267 of the Road Transport Act 2013. Grounds may include errors in the
camera system, hardship, or changed circumstances.
3. Seek a Non-Conviction Outcome: For
court matters, a Section 10 dismissal or conditional release order
can help you avoid a conviction and keep your licence.
At Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers, our traffic lawyers in Sydney
are experts in defending speeding fines, challenging licence suspensions, and
representing clients in court. We can help you navigate the legal complexities
of average speed camera offences and protect your driving privileges.
How Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers Can Help
If you’re caught by the new average speed cameras or face a licence
suspension, fine, or criminal charge, Nicopoulos Sabbagh
Lawyers is here to assist. Our criminal defence lawyers in Sydney
specialise in traffic law and criminal law, offering:
• Expert Defence: We analyse camera
data, police procedures, and evidence to challenge fines or charges,
potentially securing a dismissal or reduced penalty.
• Licence Appeals: We guide you through
the Local Court or District Court appeal process to reinstate
your licence or shorten a disqualification period.
• Non-Conviction Outcomes: We advocate
for Section 10 dismissals to avoid fines, demerit points, or a criminal
record, especially for first-time offenders.
• Personalised Support: Our team tailors strategies to your circumstances, such as proving
hardship or demonstrating rehabilitation through programs like the Traffic
Offender Intervention Program.
• 24/7 Availability: We’re ready to
provide urgent advice, whether you’re facing a court date or a suspension
notice.
With a proven track record in courts across NSW, including Downing
Centre, Parramatta, and Burwood, we’re committed to achieving
the best outcome for your case.
Tips for Drivers During the Trial
To avoid penalties from the new average speed cameras, follow these
tips:
1. Check Your Speed: Maintain a
consistent speed within the limit, especially on the Pacific and Hume Highways.
2. Watch for Signs: Look for “AVERAGE
SPEED SAFETY CAMERA” signs to know when you’re in an enforcement zone.
3. Plan Your Journey: Allow extra time to
avoid the temptation to speed, particularly in regional areas.
4. Stay Informed: Follow updates from Transport
for NSW or consult a traffic lawyer if you receive a warning letter
or fine.
5. Act Quickly: If you receive a fine or
suspension notice, contact Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers immediately to
explore your options within the 28-day appeal window.
Contact Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers Today
The introduction of average speed cameras on NSW highways is a
significant change for drivers, increasing the need for vigilance and legal
preparedness. If you’re caught speeding, face a licence suspension, or
need to appeal a penalty, Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers is your trusted
partner. Our traffic lawyers in Sydney and criminal lawyers are
dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the best outcome, whether
through a court appeal, fine challenge, or non-conviction order.
Don’t let a speeding fine or licence loss
disrupt your life. Call us today on 0427 101 499 or 02 9793 7016 or visit our
website at www.nslaw.net.au to book a free consultation. Let Nicopoulos
Sabbagh Lawyers, your premier Sydney criminal law firm, fight for
your driving privileges and peace of mind.
Why
Choose Nicopoulos Sabbagh Lawyers YOUR Leading Sydney Traffic Lawyers to
represent you in your Traffic Law Matter?
Nicopoulos
Sabbagh Lawyers are the leading Law firm in Traffic Law matters as our office
appears at ALL Courts in NSW on a regular basis in ALL Traffic Law
matters. No matter is too complex for
Nicopoulos Sabbagh lawyers, your Traffic Sydney Lawyers, so be sure to book
your first Free Consultation today!
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TO COURT?
It
is very important that you speak with a lawyer so that you can get the
appropriate legal advice which you require prior to going to court.
Our team
of experienced solicitors are there for you and can help you answer all your
questions, so be sure to contact your
Sydney Lawyers, Nicopoulos
Sabbagh Lawyers.
*This article correctly reflects the Laws of NSW as at 25th April 2025.
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