More than 20,000 drivers will have been caught speeding through new 40 km/h speed zones in Canberra's city centre by the time an fine amnesty comes to an end, with authorities again warning motorists to follow the road rules.
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From Monday, infringements will be issued if drivers are caught exceeding the new speed limits by cameras on Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive.
New limits, which dropped speeds by 20km/h, were introduced three months ago as part of the ACT government's road safety strategy.
More than 5000 people were caught by the cameras in the 48 hours after they were adjusted to the new speed limits. Cameras are on track to detect well over 20,000 people speeding in the area since they were switched over to the new limits on June 21.
Access Canberra executive branch manager Josh Rynehart said the average speed going past the cameras was below 40km/h, which meant most drivers were following the rules - but others still needed to change their behaviour.
"It's disappointing to see how many people are coming through [speeding]. The speed was reduced for a road safety perspective, and it is concerning to see how many people appear to continue to drive above the speed limit," Mr Rynehart said.
Mr Rynehart said speed limits could change in different areas and it was a driver's responsibility to be aware of road conditions.
"It's the responsibility of everyone when you're driving, to be aware of the environment that you're driving in," he said.
ACT Business Minister Tara Cheyne last week said it seemed the message about the new speed limits had not yet sunk in.
"The sheer number of motorists speeding in such a high-density area is concerning," Ms Cheyne said.
Drivers will face fines of more than $400 after July 5, when they will also receive three demerit points.
Australian Road Research Board transport safety leader David McTiernan told The Canberra Times in March more slower speed limit areas would likely be added as high-density areas in Canberra increased.
"Lessons have been learnt from them and the safety benefit of the 40km/h limits have been recognised and incorporated into planning," he said.
"The overarching framework is to make sure the speed limits fit the dominant use on the road."
The ACT government has sought to increase the number of 40km/h speed zones, with the zones rolled out to other town and group centres in Canberra.
Transport Canberra and City Services said the reduction in speed from 50km/h to 40km/h can reduce the risk of death for vulnerable road users in a collision from 80 per cent to 30 per cent.
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Jasper Lindell
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
Jasper Lindell joined The Canberra Times in 2018. He is a Legislative Assembly reporter, covering ACT politics and government. He also writes about development, transport, heritage, local history, literature and the arts, as well as contributing to the Times' Panorama magazine. He was previously a Sunday Canberra Times reporter.
