Why this new ‘speed trap’ is bugging drivers – but it’s not what you think
A northern Sydney motorist has discovered a hard-to-spot new ‘speed trap’ on NSW roads, but the state authority said the camera is being used for a different purpose.
The camera, in an unassuming yellow box, was spotted on the Warringah Motorway, where roadworks are currently underway on the northern side of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
The sign underneath said: ‘camera under test’.
Locals shared the photo on Wednesday, amazed by the bizarre-looking device.
“It has now been definitively proven that these mobile speed cameras are being secretly trialled in New South Wales,” said a self-described ‘speed trap hunter’.
Other locals were quick to point out that similar devices had been deployed in other parts of the same area over the past week.
“NSW needs money and the cash cow is once again the motorist. Greed knows no law,” an aggrieved motorist noted.
But a spokeswoman for Transport New South Wales quickly dismissed the revenue-raising allegations.
A strange-looking yellow traffic camera caused alarm on the northern beaches this week
A Transport for NSW quashed the rumors and said the cameras will not be used to issue infringement notices
“Transport for NSW has installed two traffic monitors within the roadworks zone to record traffic volume and speed for information purposes only and to inform future planning,” she said.
“Transport has no plans to use these cameras for violations.”
However, she said the real reason behind the installation of the camera should not encourage motorists to drive on the busy stretch of road.
“Transport is asking motorists to follow the temporary 60km/h speed limit on our work site and thanks motorists for their patience as we continue to work on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade.”
Some local motorists said they would like to see more speed cameras on that stretch of highway.
“We need a lot from the ride I just witnessed,” someone said.
Another said they didn’t mind more speed cameras being used in the state.
“As long as they keep demanding the ‘Cell Camera Forward’ signs, they can use whatever they want,” said another.