NEWS that the NSW Government may remove signs warning drivers of speed cameras has been welcomed by Bathurst road safety experts.
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The idea to remove warning signs was recommended by the state auditor-general last year, saying there had to be a perception that motorists could be caught speeding anywhere at anytime, not just in specific locations.
NSW Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the road toll had increased and the government was looking at different ways to reduce the figure, with removing the signage being one of them.
READ ALSO: Speed camera warning signs crucial: NRMA
Calare Academy of Road Safety's Matthew Irvine is open to the idea, saying NSW motorists have "had it very, very easy for a very long time", noting some states don't have signage at all and cameras are concealed.
"If you get caught by a fixed speed camera in NSW, you are a big fool," he said.
Bathurst Learn to Drive's Warren Aubin has a similar perspective, saying he was "bewildered" by the amount of warning people in NSW get about cameras compared to other states.
He said that, instead of creating a mindset to obey the speed limit, many people only slow down in the location of a camera.
"We've been spoiled a little in NSW that we get warned that there are speed cameras ahead. It's the dumbest thing ever," Mr Aubin said.
More people would be caught speeding if there were no signs, he said, but it would make them more conscious of their speed all of the time.
Road safety experts are also thinking about average speed cameras, which could be better used to monitor speeding.
Currently, these cameras only monitor heavy vehicle traffic.
Mr Aubin said that, as the technology exists, it is inevitable the cameras will one day be used to monitor all vehicles.
Mr Irvine wants to see a trial of the technology with other vehicles in NSW.
"It's time to try it out, let's trial it for six months. Trial it between Raglan and Lithgow, let's see on a trial basis how many times the speed limit is exceeded," he said.
Mr Aubin and Mr Irvine agree that, if there were to be any changes to signage or cameras, they wouldn't affect motorists if they are obeying the road rules.
"If obeying the speed limits was a difficult thing to do then most of us would have lost points on our licences by now," Mr Irvine said.
