The NSW government has been accused of performing a "spectacular backflip" after ditching its unpopular policy of removing signs warning drivers about mobile speed cameras.
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Fixed signs for mobile speed cameras were taken down in November 2020, leading to a massive spike in revenue raised from low-level speeding offences.
The number of fines where the speed limit was exceeded by 10km/h or less went from 3222 in October 2020 to 27,855 by February 2021.
Roads Minister Natalie Ward announced on Monday additional warning signs around mobile speed cameras would return on New Year's Day, saying the government had listened to community feedback.
"Ensuring our local roads are as safe as possible for pedestrians and motorists is an absolute priority for this government," she said.
Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said the government had been told of cameras concealed behind poles and trees, and the point of the signage was to slow drivers down.
"We have heard loud and clear from the community on this issue," he said.
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said the government's decision to delay returning the signs for a further two and a half months was a desperate attempt to claw millions more in fine revenue.
An estimated additional $8 million will be collected between now and January, when the signs are restored, Mr Minns said.
"The decision by the government not to return these warning signs for months is a last minute desperate attempt (at) one last cash grab out of motorists' pockets," he said.
The government went from collecting about $4 million a year in low-range speeding fines to about $45 million during one financial year, he said.
With an election less than five months away, the policy reversal was timed to placate voters, he said.
"The government's basically admitted what we've already known for many years now. This has been revenue raising on a giant scale.
"They've now backflipped in a spectacular fashion because they've been caught red-handed with their hands in your pockets."
The NRMA's Peter Khoury agrees the government should put the signs back as soon as possible.
"If they can get (the signage) out before January, we would welcome that," he told reporters on Tuesday.
Cameras should be deployed in dangerous locations to prompt drivers to check their speed, he said.
The policy was introduced by former transport minister Andrew Constance, who said removing warning signs meant drivers knew they could be caught anywhere, anytime.
Australian Associated Press
