Rodney Stevens

All mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW are now equipped with and required to display warning signs on approach to and past their location after the NSW backflipped on a 2020 decision to scrap the signs.

After the former government announced changes to the NSW speed camera program on November 19, 2020, a sharp increase in fines followed.

In 2021, the former government changed the regulations, partially re-introducing the signs, but only on top of the speed camera vehicles, meaning drivers had no advance warning, plus about 1000 permanent speed camera warning signs were installed around the state.

Then in October 2022, the former government announced warning signs would be re-introduced before and after the speed camera vehicle, and as the old signs were too big for the new vehicles, a retrofit was required.

The speed camera program now requires two portable signs to be placed on approach to every mobile speed camera vehicle, and one after, in addition to the rooftop sign, as a clear visual cue to motorists to make sure they are sticking to the speed limit and a reminder to drivers to slow down.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the need for signage was identified after a situation arose where the speed camera program was collecting more from low range speeding fines in one month then they did in the previous 12 months.

“We want drivers to slow down, we don’t want people speeding in the first place,” he said.

“And now my government has ensured an end to the secrecy, with motorists having clear warning signs ahead of any speed cameras, to remind them to slow down.”

NSW Roads Minister John Graham said the former government removed these warning signs without any consultation and as a result the community was rightly upset.

“It took 3 policy backflips before the former government came to the same view as the community and accepted that these cameras should have warning signs returned,” he said.