Wednesday 5 August 2020

The Hunter Speed Cameras Raking in the Most Money, One Over $1.2 Million in Fines in a Year

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Speed cameras across the Hunter raked in over $4 million dollars in speeding fines last financial year, approximately $4,688,438 in total.

Data released by Revenue NSW, reveals the most lucrative cameras, with a camera located at Griffiths Road in New Lambton taking the top spot, raking in $1,296,038 over the past 12 months.

A camera on the Pacific Highway at Gateshead, came in second, raking in $1,119,353.

A camera on the New England Highway at Lochinvar, was also a top earner, taking in $439,239 in speeding fines.

Transport NSW's, Executive Director of the Center for Road Safety, Bernard Carlon says speed cameras are a critical life saving tool on the Hunter's roads.

"We know that fixed speed cameras reduce fatalities in the locations where they are by 80% and casualty crashes have reduced where we’re using those cameras by almost 40% as well," Mr Carlon said.

"Speeding is the number one contributor to deaths and serious injuries on our roads."

Mr Carlon says the Revenue NSW data is used in the annual review of speed cameras, and whether they continue to have road safety benefits.

"Locations where speed cameras have been put, have a history of crashes that have actually killed and injured people."

"Less than 1% of people who pass a speed camera are speeding, so 99% of people are doing the right thing. So we really need that 1% to make sure they’re under the speed limit when they’re driving through these locations."

All revenue from speeding, red light and mobile phone cameras, goes towards community road safety funds, to fund school zone crossing supervisors and road safety campaigns.

"Of course anybody that is suffering financial hardship, then revenue NSW actually can do payment plans and also accommodate those people who are finding it difficult in the circumstances."

"But the easiest way to avoid a fine is to stay under the speed limit."



The Top Ten Speed Cameras Issuing the Most Fines Across the Hunter;