Last year the ACT’s mobile speed cameras issued more speeding fines than the Territory’s 26 fixed and red-light cameras, recording 26,666 infringements that brought in just under $9.5 million.
ACT fixed and red-light cameras conversely recorded 26,484 speeders but collected slightly more revenue at $10.2 million.
Punching above its weight, Hindmarsh Drive’s point-to-point speed cameras clocked 4,462 drivers over the limit, issuing $1,747,250 in fines.
The ACT currently has eight mobile speed camera vans with two more vans to be added to the fleet later this year.
The Territory is also home to 13 fixed speed cameras at nine locations and 13 combination red light/speed cameras.
An ACT Government spokesperson said they operate both fixed cameras and mobile camera vans in partnership with speed enforcement activities conducted by ACT Policing.
“Speed cameras have been shown to have a correlation between the deduction of speed to a 25% – 30% reduction in serious injury crashes on roads where cameras are being used,” they said.
“These cameras play an important part in the strategy to change driver behaviour and achieving compliance.”
Without disclosing the most lucrative mobile speed camera sites, the spokesperson said the ACT’s five highest locations for speeding offences are, in order: Monaro Highway; Athllon Drive; Mugga Way, Canberra Boys Grammar; Launceston Street, Canberra College; and Majura Parkway.
The top five fixed speed camera locations in the ACT over 2020 were the sites at: Monaro Highway between Lanyon Drive and Sheppard Street, with 3,433 infringements; Barton Highway between Gungahlin Drive and Ellenborough, with 3,294 infringements; Barton Highway between Curran Drive and Gold Creek Road, with 3,047 infringements; Drakeford Drive/Boddington Crescent/Bardoni Crescent, with 2,719 infringements; and Monaro Highway between Mugga Lane and Isabella Drive, with 2,665 infringements.
These five cameras together accounted for more than $5.5 million in fines.
“Financial aspects are not a consideration when determining sites for mobile speed vans,” the spokesperson said.
“Placement of speed camera vans is informed by relevant data, road safety reports on ‘trouble’ spots and complaints from the public,” they said.
Mobile speed vans may be deployed to 1,296 identified site locations in the ACT, with a full list and map of these locations accessible via the ACT Government’s open web platform.
The spokesperson said their efficacy is in reducing speeding across the board because of “the unpredictability of the camera location”.
“This means that people will be more aware of their speeding by encouraging safe driving practices.”
Members of the public can nominate a location for a mobile speed camera via Access Canberra.
All eight vans are currently in operation for approximately a collective 2,200 hours per month.
With the introduction of the two new speed camera vans, the ACT Government spokesperson said that figure will increase by approximately 500 hours per month.
Work will commence shortly to fit out the vans with all the equipment, electrical power supplies and cameras.
Staff will then be employed to operate the cameras and they will be provided with appropriate training and authorised under the Road Transport regulations.
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