The decision of the Liberals to introduce secret speed cameras and remove mobile camera warning signs is a blatant revenue raiser, which is hurting families. The last time Parliament was in session, I called for fairness when it comes to speeding fines.
The Liberals decided to remove the warning signs for motorists in November last year. The Government has released information demonstrating that May 2021 was the largest revenue cash grab for speed cameras on record with $4 million in fines issued for low range speeding of 10km/h or less above the speed limit. In May last year, 1,547 fines were issued compared to 27,144 in May 2021; that is a monumental 1,655% increase because of secret cameras!
Residents of the southern suburbs of Sydney are being hit with skyrocketing fines. For the electorate of Oatley; in the six months before the signs were removed $27,667 worth of fines were issued. That is compared to $115,616 in fines since the warning signs were removed. In the Heathcote electorate, fines increased from $7,257 to $38,249 in the same time frame.
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns has been leading the way in calling for the Berejiklian Government to end the use of secret cameras. Chris has long recognised this issue and confirmed that Labor will abolish secret cameras and bring back warning signs on our roads.
Just this week after pressure from Labor, the Berejiklian Government has said they will reintroduce 1000 permanent signs to warn drivers about mobile speed cameras. Whilst we welcome this change, unfortunately it is not good enough. The Government needs to return portable warning signs ahead of the secret mobile speed cameras on our roads.
Families across Sydney are already struggling to pay the bills with the financial impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of living. With the current lockdown, our essential workers on the road should not be slugged with low range speeding fines from secret cameras. The Liberals also quietly changed the secret cameras to monitor vehicles in both directions, so drivers are now getting stung with fines on both sides of the street.
We want safer roads, however we know that secret cameras hitting people with fines for low range speeding is not making our roads any safer. Even the Honourable Wes Fang MLC, an Upper House Member of the Berejiklian Government has criticised his own Government's policy, "The vast majority of the fines that have increased are 10km/h and under. We are no safer." The NRMA has also said warning signs are important to help address people's behaviour behind the wheel.
Labor believes that bringing back warning signs will help change behaviour, not secret cameras. Warning signs alert people to check their speed and slow down. There needs to be portable mobile camera warning signs ahead of speed camera vehicles. The Government should also be looking to expand police presence with further highway patrols to increase safety.
The Berejiklian Government needs to stop hitting the pockets of our tradies and families with skyrocketing fines. We know it is not helping to protect people on our roads. This blatant cash grab needs to come to an end.
