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2018 Lexus GS350
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From July 19, New South Wales will begin rolling out its mobile speed camera program, replacing the state's outdated cameras with new digital systems capable not only of detecting speed, but also of reading number plates.
As part of the NSW Government's Budget announced this week, the mobile speed cameras are expected to contribute to an increase in fine revenue from $291 million in 2009 to $428 million by next year. Under the Budget forecast, last year's take will have almost doubled to $570 million by 2012.
On their own, the mobile speed cameras - which will be operated by a private company - are expected to increase the number of speeding tickets by 5 percent, adding about $137 million to fine revenue.
Speaking with News Ltd, Opposition roads spokesperson Andrew Stoner said that the expected increase in revenue was a clear revenue-raising tactic, using speed cameras to grow the state's budget rather than deter speeding motorists.
"This means the state's fiscal position now relies on more motorists speeding on our roads," Mr Stoner said. "Speed cameras should be there to deter motorists from driving dangerously, not to raise revenue."
The NSW Government also announced that it will inject a further $11 million into police salaries, amounting to a pay rise of nearly two percent - described by Opposition police spokesperson Mike Gallacher as "insignificant".
Most significantly, the NSW Government announced a $300 million increase in road development, increasing the state's spend on its roads to $4.7 billion.
Around $810 million has been earmarked for the Pacific Highway (up $147 million on last year) and $115 million for the Great Western Highway (up $47m).
4 Comments
This is just plain WRONG. Generating revenue by fining your citizens through a private company is BS and I bet, if you had a deep enough look, there would be some quality backhanders going from said private company to the decision makers involved. Charge us taxes, teach us to drive and then fix our 3rd world roads.
lol the federal government has the mining tax now NSW has its own TAX!! laurie
This is just plain WRONG part 2 Quote from article As part of the NSW Government's Budget announced this week, the mobile speed cameras are expected to contribute to an increase in fine revenue from $291 million in 2009 to $428 million by next year. Under the Budget forecast, last year's take will have almost doubled to $570 million by 2012. Since when has revenue from speed cameras become part of the budget ??? NO self respecting government should budget for this. It's a windfall which should be sent straight back to road improvement, over and above what is budgeted for in the first place. Oh yeh that's probably nothing. Here is the challenge. Drive safe and carefull, Let's completely stuff this budget forecast.
Oh thi is a vote winner-NOT! At least they do not have the hide to call them "safety" cameras. But yet another reason to boot these idiots out of government.. Can't come soon enough. Would it not be great if everyone refused to pay the fines they would be stuffed. They push too hard and people will push back.Look at the mining tax.Bring it on.