A new fixed speed camera on Heathcote Road, Engadine, has been turned on, but fines won’t be issued for the first month.
The camera began operating on Monday, March 27, in warning mode for one month, during which time offending motorists will be sent a cautionary letter encouraging them to slow down.
Heathcote MP Lee Evans said the camera, near Forum Drive, east of the Woronora River Bridge, was a welcome boost to road safety in Sutherland Shire.
Heathcote Road has a terrible accident record, with three fatal accidents in the last two years.
Between 2011 and 2015 there were 110 crashes on the road, and speed was considered to be a factor in more than a third of crashes.
In addition to the new speed camera, vehicle activated signs warning drivers of speed limits and potential road hazards were installed near Heathcote Road Bridge earlier this year.
Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon said the camera would make drivers slow down.
“Speed is the number one killer on our roads and we know fixed speed cameras make drivers slow down and save lives,” he said.
“Last year 157 people lost their lives in NSW because somebody was driving too fast.
“We know speeding drivers are far more likely to crash and that fixed speed cameras help reduce fatalities by 91 per cent and injuries by 42 per cent.
Mr Carlon said drivers who “do the right thing and stick to the speed limit, won’t get fined”.
“All revenue from speed cameras goes directly back into improving road safety across the state through the Community Road Safety Fund,” he said.
Motorists can sign up for alerts to changes in camera locations at: saferroadsnsw.com.au.
