By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Friday, October 2, 2020
As motorists venture into South Australia’s regions this long weekend, RAA has revealed that a quarter of people caught speeding by mobile cameras were driving on country roads.
In the past 5 financial years, more than 430,000 vehicles have been caught speeding by mobile cameras, of which 24% – or more than 100,000 – were on regional roads, police figures obtained by RAA show.
These motorists coughed up more than $42.4 million in fines.
The figures also show that in the past 5 financial years, the highest number of speeding offences caught on mobile cameras were recorded in the Adelaide Hills at 35,460, followed by the Barossa, Lower Light and Lower North at 18,160.
RAA’s Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain, said motorists risked much more than a fine if they exceed the speed limit on country roads.
“Speeding – especially on roads with limits of 90km/h to 110km/h – can put not only you and your loved ones, but also other roads users, at increased risk of death or serious injury,’’ Mr Mountain said.
Motorists must also be aware of speed limit changes as they near towns or approach road works and adjust their speed accordingly.”
Mr Mountain adds that, with more South Aussies travelling in our home state, roads will be busier than ever.
“Recent interstate and international COVID-19 travel restrictions have meant many South Australians have been holidaying here.”
Top 10 regional sites for mobile speed camera offences
| Location | Fines over the past 5 years | $ Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Battunga Rd, Meadows | 3951 | 1,685,504 |
| Murray St, Nuriootpa | 2893 | 1,081,638 |
| Princes Hwy, Tailem Bend | 2086 | 978,423 |
| Armstrong Rd, Victor Harbor | 1863 | 731,018 |
| Horrocks Hwy, Roseworthy | 1689 | 704,854 |
| Alexandrina Rd, Mount Barker | 1597 | 563,021 |
| Mount Barker Rd, Bridgewater | 1472 | 524,437 |
| Long Valley Rd, Strathalbyn | 1424 | 614,135 |
| Langhorne Creek Rd, Strathalbyn | 1296 | 536,528 |
| Piccadilly Rd, Crafers | 1260 | 486,224 |
In fact, this has been highlighted by RAA Travel accommodation bookings in SA, which have quadrupled compared to the same time last year.
“Roads in regional SA – especially those in areas popular with holidaymakers – will be busier than normal this long weekend so we urge drivers to remain vigilant and exercise caution,’’ he said.
“If you’re planning on getting away for the long weekend, make sure you drive to the conditions, plan regular rest breaks and put your safety and that of other road users at the top of your driving agenda.’’