Mobile speed cameras approved for use to boost safety on the Darling Causeway

Mobile speed cameras have been approved for use on the Darling Causeway in the latest move to encourage safe driver behaviour and adherence to road rules on the Great Western Highway detour route.

Transport for NSW and NSW Police have worked closely to counter poor driver behaviour on the Darling Causeway since the closure of Victoria Pass in March led to a significant increase in traffic on the road.

NSW Police has committed additional patrols to the detour route over the past six months and this approval for mobile speed cameras to detect speeding will help Transport for NSW further deter unsafe behaviour.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Chadi Chalhoub said while most motorists on the Darling Causeway were driving safely and respectfully, a small percentage were still taking unacceptable risks.

“The NSW Government has committed $50 million towards boosting the resilience of the Great Western Highway detour route, improving the pavement and shoulders and upgrading safety measures, but drivers must also do their part to ensure the safety of all road users,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“Despite all the warnings and increased police presence on the detour route, speeding remains a real problem and we’re pleased to announce additional resources to help combat this behaviour.

“Mobile speed cameras have now been approved for use on the Darling Causeway and will be clearly signposted when in operation.

“Additionally, with mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras operating around the state including in the Blue Mountains and western region, drivers are reminded to put their phone away and make sure they and any passengers buckle-up and wear their seatbelt correctly.

“We acknowledge the inconvenience, extra distance and extra time involved in using the detour route during the ongoing closure of Victoria Pass but motorists need to understand that illegal, dangerous and selfish actions while behind the wheel can threaten the safety of everyone relying on this route and undermine efforts to keep traffic moving.”

The approved use of mobile speed cameras on Darling Causeway is in addition to the field pilots operating drones, additional mobile CCTV units and traffic behaviour monitoring cameras put in place since the closure of Victoria Pass.

Transport has also allocated extra field resources on the detour route including heavy and light tows and additional traffic control crews to ensure any traffic incidents are cleared as quickly as possible.

Transport works closely with emergency services to respond to incidents and restore access as quickly as possible when disruptions occur.