As Australians, we’re no strangers to the ongoing conversation about road safety. It’s a topic that’s as familiar as the Vegemite on our toast, yet it remains a pressing issue.
Authorities are constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce road trauma and discourage dangerous driving behaviours, particularly speeding.
In New South Wales, the state with the largest population, a new trend in mobile speed camera operations has sparked interest and debate among road users.
In a surprising turn of events, the introduction of additional mobile speed camera warning signs has led to a significant decrease in speeding fines.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) data reveals a stark contrast in the number of fines issued: February 2025 saw just under 44,000 fines compared to over 54,000 in the same month of the previous year.
This reduction is a clear indication that drivers are heeding the warnings and adjusting their behaviour accordingly.
The trend is even more striking when we look at the bigger picture. From a peak of more than 1.25 million fines in the 2021-2022 period, the numbers have plummeted to just over 800,000 in 2022-2023 and further down to 712,000 last year.
A TfNSW spokesperson has attributed this decline to the effectiveness of allowing motorists to correct their speed in response to the portable warning signs.
‘Speeding remains the biggest contributing factor to deaths on NSW roads,’ the spokesperson stated.
‘Road safety is a shared responsibility, and there is never an excuse to endanger lives by speeding. The significant decline in speeding infringements captured by mobile speed cameras in NSW since the reintroduction of portable signage is a testament to this approach.’
The reintroduction of portable mobile speed camera signs was a strategic move to balance transparency with enforcement.
‘We have given people a chance to adjust their speed limits by having two warning signs on the approach to a mobile speed camera vehicle, one on the roof of the vehicle, and one after,’ the organisation said.
This decline in fines is the latest chapter in a long-standing debate over the role of enforcement in road safety. In late 2020, the NSW government faced criticism when it removed warning signs ahead of mobile speed cameras, resulting in a surge in fines and public outcry.
Critics accused the government of prioritising revenue over safety, while authorities defended the move as a necessary deterrent against speeding.
The controversy led to a reevaluation of the strategy, and by 2023, the portable warning signs were reinstated. The latest data suggests that this compromise—maintaining strict enforcement while offering transparency—has been successful in promoting safer driving habits.
However, despite the encouraging decrease in speeding fines, road safety experts caution against complacency. Speeding-related crashes still make up a significant portion of road fatalities, and the number of fines from red light cameras has remained steady.
It’s a reminder that while mobile speed cameras are an important tool in the road safety arsenal, they are just one piece of a larger puzzle.
As we navigate the roads of Australia, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits, not only to avoid fines but to ensure the safety of all road users.
Have you noticed a change in your driving habits since the introduction of more mobile speed camera warning signs? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
Remember, road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re behind the wheel or a passenger, staying informed and cautious can make all the difference.
Also read: One wrong move near a speed sign cost this Queensland driver $322
