RACT champions road traffic cameras for safer Tasmanian roads
Published | 10 May 2024
As part of National Road Safety Week, we're voicing strong support for the new automated enforcement camera network.
Our Chief Executive, Mark Mugnaioni said the technology was crucial in curbing risky driving behaviours and improving safety outcomes on Tasmania’s roads.
“This technology is not just about issuing penalties—it's about encouraging every Tasmanian driver to think safety-first.
“By curbing distractions, reducing speeding, and keeping drivers focused, we are taking significant steps towards safer roads for everyone.
“With around 300 Tasmanians being killed or seriously injured on our roads each year, these cameras can have a positive influence to protect all road users from the risky behaviours of a few,” he said.
Recent data underscores the effectiveness of these cameras, showing high detection rates for mobile phone use, speeding, and seatbelt noncompliance—common behaviors that contribute to road crashes.
"Our support for automated traffic enforcement is driven by clear evidence from both national and international studies that confirm its positive impact on road safety,” Mr Mugnaioni said.
“We’ve seen a nearly 5% drop in speeding across our road network in Tasmania since these cameras were introduced, moving us closer to our ultimate goal of saving lives.”
Representing more than 217,000 Tasmanians, feedback from RACT members showed strong support for the camera network:
Over 80% of respondents in a 2023 member survey said they supported the rollout of the camera network.
Over 50% of respondents in a 2022 member survey identified automated enforcement cameras as critical to road safety.
"We are committed to working alongside the government to further this cause. The growing support from our members and the promising results we’ve seen so far are powerful motivators for us,” Mr Mugnaioni said.
“We look forward to seeing further reductions in risky behaviours and, most importantly, a decrease in road-related fatalities and serious injuries.
"While the journey toward achieving safer roads is long, we believe that technology, education, and deterrence will play a pivotal role in reaching our goals.”