A 7NEWS investigation has uncovered sensitive government documents that reveal a significant new commitment to dramatically expand the speed camera network across New South Wales. The plan outlines an ambitious strategy to roll out dozens of new speed cameras, with a target of adding 10 new locations every single year.
Substantial Investment in Road Safety
For the current financial year, Transport for NSW has already approved the installation of 14 new speed cameras. Each of these sophisticated devices carries a price tag of approximately $300,000, resulting in a total investment of $4.7 million for this year's rollout alone, according to the obtained documents.
Targeted Locations Based on Crash Data
The new camera locations have been meticulously selected based on comprehensive analysis of crash statistics and near-miss data. The initial phase focuses on several high-risk areas across Sydney, including Port Hacking Road in Sylvania, Lewisham, Auburn, Beecroft, Blacktown, Concord, Greenacre, Wentworthville, and Wetherill Park.
Premier Chris Minns has emphasised transparency in this expansion, stating clearly that all new cameras will be properly signposted. "I'm not going to have Sneaky Pete cameras out there anymore," Minns declared. "But if the signs are up and you defy it in any event, fortunately you're going to have to pay what's coming to you."
Existing Network and Financial Impact
This expansion builds upon an already extensive network of 394 speed cameras currently operating on NSW roads. These existing devices generated a substantial $283 million in fines during the last financial year, highlighting both their prevalence and their financial impact on motorists.
Response to Rising Road Toll
The push for more speed cameras comes at a critical time as the state grapples with a rising road toll. NSW tragically lost 355 people in road crashes last year, prompting urgent calls for improved safety infrastructure and interventions.
Peter Khoury from the NRMA offered a nuanced perspective on the strategy, describing cameras as merely "a patch" solution. "We need to go in and fix these roads ... there's a reason why we can't get the road toll down," Khoury argued, suggesting that more comprehensive road improvements are necessary alongside enforcement measures.
Official Justification and Evidence
Chadi Chalhoub, Executive Director for Transport Safety at Transport for NSW, defended the camera expansion as an evidence-based approach to road safety. "We know that cameras are a very effective and evidence-based way to reduce speeding on our roads," Chalhoub stated, reinforcing the government's position that this technology remains a crucial tool in saving lives.
Detailed Sydney Locations and Crash Statistics
The investigation revealed specific crash data that informed the selection of Sydney locations:
- Auburn - Wellington Rd at Chisolm Rd (13 crashes between 1/1/2019 and 31/12/2023)
- Austral - Bringelly Rd at Edmonson Ave (7 crashes)
- Beecroft - Beecroft Rd at Hannah St (6 crashes)
- Blacktown - Sunnyholt Rd at Bessemer St (7 crashes)
- Concord - Broughton St at Gipps St (10 crashes)
- Greenacre - Hume Hwy at Worth St (8 crashes)
- Sylvania - Port Hacking Rd at Box Rd (9 crashes)
- Wentworthville - Cumberland Hwy at Dunmore St (22 crashes)
- Wetherill Park - Horsely Drive at Lily St (13 crashes)
Regional Areas Also Targeted
The expansion plan extends beyond metropolitan Sydney to include several regional locations identified as high-risk:
- Blackbutt - Lake Entrance Rd at Wattle Rd (5 crashes)
- Doyalson - Pacific Hwy at Wyee Rd (14 crashes)
- Nowra - East St at Plunkett St (14 crashes)
- San Remo - Pacific Hwy at Goorama Ave (10 crashes)
This comprehensive approach demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing road safety concerns across both urban and regional NSW through targeted technological interventions.
