NSW mobile speed camera warning signs return January 1 in state government backflip

Speed ​​camera warning signs will return to roads in NSW following a shock government backflip.

Warning signs will be reinstated before and after mobile speed cameras on the state’s roads from January 1, 2023.

It will take months for the change to kick in so the community can have ‘time to adjust’.

It comes two years after the state government sparked massive public backlash with their controversial decision to remove the signs.

In the first year after scrapping the warning signs, revenue from mobile speed camera fines increased ten-fold to more than $40 million.

That led the government to mount warning signs on top of the speed camera vehicles themselves.

From next year, motorists will also receive advance warning that they are approaching a mobile speed camera.

Roof-mounted warning signs are also here to stay, giving drivers additional warning so they can ensure they’re sticking to the speed limit.

‘We’ve listened and the cabinet has decided today… from 1 January, you will see all mobile speed camera vehicles having those signs before and after the cars on every road,’ roads minister Natalie Ward said.

‘These additional warning signs will help educate drivers in real time, giving them advanced warning to slow down at these high-risk points of our road network.’

NSW opposition leader Chris Minns welcomed the move but branded the government’s backflip a pre-election stunt to appease voters ahead of the March 2023 election.

They’ve gone from collecting about $4 million a year in low-range [speeding] fine [more than] $45 million in just one financial year, straight out of the pockets of the families of NSW,’ Mr Minns said.

‘We believe the signs should be out so that motorists change their behavior in real time and not commit the offenses in the first place.’

Teenage road crusader Beau Jackson has made a name for himself in recent months parking near mobile cameras on the NSW Central Coast with a makeshift sign warning unsuspecting motorists about potential speed traps.

The teen spends most days before and after work parked in locations where he feels cameras are ‘unfairly’ trying to catch people to raise revenue – such as at the bottom of hills, or in places where the speed limit suddenly drops.

He has vowed to continue his vigilante efforts until the warning signs return.

‘There will still be millions fined until January 1st! I won’t be stopping until then!’ Beau posted on Monday night.’