A TOTAL of 221 motorists who were caught speeding through 40km/h school zones on a pupil-free day escaped fines because of "confusing advertising".
The bungle, which cost the state government $76,463 in lost revenue, was revealed amid debate over the fairness of fining motorists on days when pupils were not at school.
The opposition's spokesman on roads Walt Secord sought details under freedom of information on fines issued on pupil-free days at the start and end of the most recent Christmas holidays.
The government advised that on Friday, December 20 last year 1251 motorists were fined a total of $319,674.
On Wednesday, January 29 this year 221 motorists were caught, but no action was taken against them.
Fines included speeding offences recorded by speed cameras, police and council officers.
"Confusing advertising" was the brief explanation given for why the fines were "not actioned".
Mr Secord said the administrative error underlined the confusion surrounding the 40km/h speed limit on pupil-free days.
"While no one supports speeding in school zones, this is the latest piece of evidence showing that the [state] government is using speed cameras as a gratuitous revenue grab," he said.
Mr Secord said a more fair alternative was to send warning letters.
Fines start at $106 for being up to 10km/h above the limit.
The penalty for exceeding the limit by more than 45km/h is $2341.
In NSW, there are about 10,000 school zones near more than 3150 schools.
PRACTICE DEFENDED
The subject generated great debate among Leader readers last year after motorists complained about being caught by speed cameras outside schools at Hurstville and Miranda.
Comments ranged from ‘‘this is grossly unreasonable’’ to ‘‘it’s a fair fine’’.
Roads Minister Duncan Gay defended the practice at the time and continued to be unmoved by the latest calls for a rethink.
‘‘On school development days, parents are asked to make other care arrangements for their children,’’ a spokesman said.
‘‘If a student attends school on a school development day, schools have a duty of care to supervise them.
‘‘This means there could be students on school premises.’’
The next pupil-free day for many schools is on Monday, April 28.
Do you think a 40km/h limit should apply in school zones on pupil-free days?
