What are speed cameras?

Speed cameras are electronic devices that can detect the speed of vehicles using radar technology or detectors in the road.  The camera will take a picture of a vehicle if it is driving over the speed limit.

The picture will show the colour, type, make and numberplate of the car or vehicle. This information is compared to the registered owner of the car to identify the likely driver, and this person will then receive an infringement notice. They may or may not be the person who was driving at the time.

 

Fixed, mobile, average, and red light cameras

The most common type of speed camera is a fixed speed camera, which is installed in a permanent roadside location. Alternatively, mobile speed cameras are moveable devices, and can include hand-held cameras used by police officers at the side of the road, or cameras attached to a mobile police vehicle.

Red-light speed cameras are placed at traffic intersections and detect vehicles travelling over the stop line, or entering the intersection after the lights have turned red. Red light speed cameras also detect vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

Average speed cameras measure the amount of time it takes a vehicle to drive between two points, calculating the average speed of the vehicle. If that average speed is higher than the speed limit, the driver will receive a penalty. Average speed cameras only detect heavy vehicle speeding.

 

Consequences of a speeding fine

If you are caught speeding by a speed camera, a penalty notice will be issued, and you will likely incur a fine and licence demerit points. Depending on the speed of the vehicle and the licence you hold, your licence may also be suspended or disqualified.

Learn more about the possible consequences and penalties for speeding offences.

 

Our expertise in defending speed camera charges

Our work has been instrumental in developing the available defences for speed camera prosecutions. In a notable case, we took the RTA (now RMS) to the Supreme Court and won, setting a precedent that is now commonly applied in Local Court prosecutions.

We achieved outstanding results for thousands of motorists prosecuted relating to the use of speed cameras in the Lane Cove Tunnel and around King Georges Road, where there was a distinct lack of signage regarding the placement of speed cameras and the declaration of an extended school zone. Over ten thousand speeding infringement notices were withdrawn.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are speed cameras accurate?

Speed and red light camera systems undergo regular evaluation and testing to ensure accuracy and reliability. However, these assessments are not 100% reliable, and we can advise you of any potential errors or camera inaccuracies in your matter.

I received two infringement notices on the same road, should I pay them both?

If both infringements incurred in the same course of driving, then there should only be one penalty. We previously acted for a driver who received two infringement notices for speed cameras on the same stretch of road on a double demerit points weekend, and successfully challenged the second infringement notice.

What information does a speed camera capture?

Besides the image of the vehicle, the speed camera will also record the:

  • Date and time the image was taken.
  • Location of the camera.
  • Direction the vehicle was travelling.
  • Speed of the vehicle.
  • Applicable speed limit.
  • Lane the vehicle was travelling in.

How can we help?

We have over 55 years of experience in successfully defending drink driving and traffic offences.

Book a free consultation or call us on 1300 668 484 for 24/7 legal advice.