Why are speed cameras used?
Fixed digital speed cameras are a powerful and effective deterrent to speeding.
Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) evaluations have demonstrated dramatic reductions in vehicle speeds, as well as significant reductions in both the rate and severity of crashes near fixed digital speed camera sites.
Most developed countries now view the use of fixed digital speed cameras as an essential and effective part of overall speed management and road safety.
Exceeding the speed limit markedly increases the risk of injury or death. Drivers travelling at higher speeds have less time to react to dangerous situations and in the event of a crash are likely to receive more severe injuries.
Excessive or inappropriate speed for the conditions was identified as a contributing factor in nearly 37% of all fatal crashes and 16% of all injury crashes during the five year period 2003 – 2007.
An independent evaluation (ARRB Consulting, 2005) found that there was a 90% reduction in fatal crashes and a 23% reduction in casualty crashes on lengths of road where a fixed digital speed camera was installed.
In addition, there was a dramatic reduction in speeding with an 88% reduction in drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h in the vicinity of fixed digital speed cameras.
Evaluations conducted in Britain and Norway have found that injury crash reductions of around 20% are achieved through the use of fixed digital speed cameras. These sites meet criteria similar to those developed for the NSW fixed digital speed camera program.
The RTA constantly monitors the effectiveness of fixed digital speed cameras for speed and crash reductions, as well as the number of speeding offences detected.
The RTA continues to co-operate closely with the NSW Police Force to improve road safety, including joint road safety initiatives. Through a combination of Police enforcement, driver education and media promotion, enhanced levels of road safety are being achieved.
Should you have continuing concerns about enforcement in any particular area, you should contact the relevant Police Local Area Command to discuss the possibility of increased targeted enforcement.
The RTA is responsible for the operation of fixed digital speed cameras in NSW. The NSW Police Force is responsible for mobile radar and mobile camera enforcement.
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