Motorists left baffled by new roadside cameras on busy Australian highway – as the simple explanation is revealed
A new roadside camera has caused a stir on social media after it was spotted by an eagle-eyed motorist on the side of a busy Australian highway.
Motorists took to social media after the giant camera was pictured on the Great Western Highway in May’s Hill in Sydney’s west on Wednesday.
The black and yellow box-like device, with track wheels and a large rectangular device on top, was shared on social media.
Aussies suspected it was a new speed camera, a camera to catch motorists using mobile phones and even a ‘sound camera’ to target busy roads.
Transport for NSW revealed to Daily Mail Australia that the device is in fact a new camera being trialled to monitor bus lanes.
Duncan Lucas, executive director of Road Safety Regulation, said similar technology, used to detect unauthorized use of bus lanes, was already in use.
“But the technology is nearing the end of its life,” he said.
‘As a result, Transport went to market in late 2023 seeking expressions of interest in a potential replacement for this technology, to which a number of suppliers responded.’
Motorists took to social media after the giant camera was pictured on the Great Western Highway in May’s Hill in Sydney’s west on Wednesday
Mr Lucas said Transport for NSW is now considering a range of new technologies to improve bus lane enforcement across the state.
“There is absolutely no enforcement action taken during the testing of new technology,” he confirmed.
The trial of the new bus lane cameras comes just in time for the October long weekend in most states in Australia, when police are cracking down on dangerous drivers.
New South Wales
NSW Police will focus on drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double penalties coming into effect from Friday 12:01 pm to Monday 11:59 pm.
Australian Capital Territory
Double demerits were in effect for four days, from Friday to 11.59pm on Monday.
Queensland
Double demerits apply all year round, but only affect drivers who commit the same offense twice in twelve months.
South Australia
Although Monday is a public holiday in South Australia, there is no double points system.