More speed, red light cameras set for NSW roads: govt

04/06/2012 - The number of mobile speed and red light cameras across NSW will be drastically increased, but there will be more signs warning drivers of the devices.

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NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay on Friday announced the number of mobile speed cameras would increase from six to 45 vehicles, and the number of red light cameras from 91 to 200 locations.

Point-to-point cameras will also patrol 24 stretches of road, up from 21.

However, fixed speed cameras would be cut from 172 to 139.

As part of the strategy, the money raised from speed and other cameras will be put into a new Community Road Safety Fund, rather than into consolidated revenue.

Gay said signs warning motorists of the cameras would increase in number and in size, to stop the "entrapment" of unsuspecting drivers.

He admitted the sharp increase in the number of cameras would be unpopular with motorists, who have long complained they are installed simply as a revenue-raising measure.

"I don't expect it is going to be universally loved," Gay acknowledged.

"There will be some people that are unhappy, but I think by and large there will be a lot of people that are happy because finally they've seen a government that's not going to be tricky, that's going to be up-front.

"These cameras save lives, but we don't necessarily want the revenue from them."

Tony Stuart, chief of the NRMA motoring group, backed the changes and said they would help save lives on the state's roads.

Stuart said the NRMA had been calling for money collected from cameras be put into such a road safety fund.

"What these initiatives are doing is really focusing on safety," he said.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner John Hartley said it would help police efforts to reduce the road toll.

"The fact is that speed plays a high figure in those killed on our roads and those injured," he said.

"I welcome the package, I welcome the hypothecation of the money, I think it will certainly make sure improvements on roads will happen."

Source: AAP

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