New South Wales (NSW) is rolling out a new trial using average speed camera technology, in an effort to improve road safety.
Dubbed the “Average Speed Camera Light Vehicle Trial,” this innovative system aims to curb speeding and enhance driver accountability.
Trials are commencing along key routes such as the Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (15 km) and the Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai (16 km), this technology promises a new era of traffic enforcement.
Let’s dive into how it works, where it’s already in use, and how it stacks up against traditional speed monitoring methods.
How Average Speed cameras work
Unlike conventional speed cameras that capture a driver’s speed at a single point, average speed cameras operate on a more sophisticated principle. These systems use a network of cameras positioned at the start and end points of a designated stretch of road.
Each camera records the time a vehicle passes and its license plate number. By calculating the time difference between these two points, the system determines the average speed over the distance traveled.
The technology relies on advanced image recognition and data processing to ensure accuracy. Modern average speed cameras are often paired with infrared or laser technology to operate effectively in various weather conditions and times of day.
If a vehicle’s average speed exceeds the legal limit, the system automatically issues a fine, with photographic evidence sent to the registered owner. This method not only deters speeding but also encourages consistent adherence to speed limits over longer distances.
Tesla already supports it
Back in April 2024, Tesla released software update 2024.14 that contained a feature supporting exactly this technology.
Average Speed Zones in a Tesla requires premium connectivity (4G in the car) and tracks your speed between the start and end points of an average zone.
This removes any guesswork out of the average speed, ensuring you’re always under the allowable limit.
Where else is it used in Australia and around the world
Australia has been gradually adopting average speed cameras, with NSW joining the ranks of other states that have already implemented or tested the technology.
Victoria has been a leader in this space, deploying average speed cameras on busy highways like the Monash Freeway and the Princes Highway since the early 2010s.
Queensland has also embraced the technology, with systems in place on the Bruce Highway and the Gold Coast. These implementations have shown promising results in reducing speed-related accidents and fatalities.
Globally, average speed cameras are a well-established tool for traffic management. The United Kingdom pioneered their widespread use, particularly on motorways and urban roads, with systems like SPECS (Speed Camera Enforcement System) covering hundreds of miles.
Sweden and the Netherlands have also integrated this technology into their road safety frameworks, often combining it with variable speed limits to adapt to traffic conditions. In the United States, states like Colorado and Oregon have trailed average speed enforcement on highways with notable success, while countries like France and Germany use it extensively on high-risk routes.
Is this better than other forms of speed monitoring?
Average speed cameras offer several advantages over traditional fixed or mobile speed cameras. Firstly, they promote safer driving behavior over a broader area rather than just at a specific point.
Traditional cameras often lead to “speed traps,” where drivers slow down momentarily only to accelerate afterward, a phenomenon known as the “kangaroo effect.” Average speed cameras eliminate this by enforcing consistent speed limits, which studies suggest can reduce accident rates by up to 20-30% on monitored stretches.
Secondly, the technology is less invasive and more efficient. Fixed cameras require frequent maintenance and are easily spotted, allowing drivers to adjust their speed temporarily.
Mobile cameras, while effective, depend on police presence and can be resource-intensive. Average speed systems, once installed, operate autonomously, reducing the need for human intervention and providing a cost-effective long-term solution.
However, the technology is not without challenges. Initial setup costs are high, and public acceptance can be an issue, with some drivers perceiving it as overly punitive.
Additionally, the accuracy of the system relies heavily on clear line-of-sight and minimal traffic congestion, which could pose difficulties in densely populated urban areas.
