New South Wales inquiry recommends average speed cameras for regional roads

A recent inquiry into regional New South Wales road safety has recommended the expansion of average speed cameras to light vehicles, pending the evaluation of current trials. The report, released on September 17, aims to reduce trauma on regional roads by addressing speeding, which was identified as the largest contributor to road deaths and injuries, accounting for 42 per cent of fatalities in the state.

The committee provided 13 recommendations, including significant infrastructure upgrades such as widening shoulders, upgrading level crossings, sealing unsealed roads, and adding overtaking lanes. The report also highlighted funding shortfalls that hinder local councils from maintaining road networks and noted that low enforcement rates can contribute to a local sentiment that speeding is acceptable.

Additionally, the inquiry noted that over 80 per cent of rural and regional roads have speed limits of 100 kilometres per hour, sometimes creating a disparity between the limit and actual road conditions.