Average Speed Cameras in Australia

Average speed cameras — also known as point-to-point (P2P) cameras — represent one of the most effective forms of speed enforcement. Unlike traditional fixed cameras that measure your speed at a single point, P2P systems calculate your average speed over an extended distance, encouraging drivers to maintain safe, consistent speeds throughout the entire monitored section.

These systems are expanding rapidly across Australia, particularly in New South Wales, the ACT, and through roadworks zones in several states. This guide explains how they work, where they are installed, and addresses the most common misconceptions.

How Point-to-Point Cameras Work

The concept behind average speed cameras is straightforward, based on the fundamental physics formula: speed equals distance divided by time.

Average Speed = Distance Between Cameras ÷ Time Taken to Travel Between Them

Here is the process in detail:

  1. Entry camera: As you pass the first camera, it uses automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to photograph your number plate and record the exact time (down to the millisecond).
  2. Exit camera: A second camera, positioned a known distance away (typically 1 to 20 kilometres), performs the same function — photographing your plate and recording the time.
  3. Matching: The system matches the two number plate readings and calculates the time elapsed between the two camera points.
  4. Calculation: The known distance between the cameras is divided by the elapsed time to calculate your average speed. If this exceeds the speed limit (plus any applicable tolerance), an infringement notice is generated.

The distance between camera points is precisely measured and verified during installation. The timing system is synchronised using GPS or other high-accuracy time sources. This makes the calculation extremely reliable.

Where Average Speed Cameras Are Installed

Average speed cameras are currently operating or being rolled out in the following areas:

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW has been rapidly expanding its P2P network and now has one of the largest average speed camera programmes in Australia. Cameras are installed on major motorways including the M1, Pacific Highway, Hume Highway, and through several long motorway tunnels. NSW is also increasingly using P2P systems in roadworks zones, where they have been shown to significantly reduce crashes and injuries among road workers.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT has one of the most extensive P2P networks relative to its size. Average speed cameras operate on major roads throughout Canberra, including Tuggeranong Parkway, Canberra Avenue, and several other key arterials. The ACT uses these cameras as a primary enforcement tool alongside fixed and mobile cameras.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria has trialled average speed cameras in selected locations, particularly in roadworks zones and on the Hume Freeway. The Victorian Government has announced plans to expand the use of P2P technology on high-risk rural highways where single-point enforcement is less practical.

Other States

Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have either trialled or announced plans for average speed cameras. Roadworks zones are the most common initial application, as the technology is particularly effective at protecting road workers. Tasmania and the Northern Territory have limited P2P deployments at this stage.

For a full map of camera locations, including average speed cameras, visit our interactive camera map.

Common Myths Debunked

Myth: “Changing lanes confuses the cameras”

Reality: Modern ANPR systems track vehicles by their number plate, not their lane position. Changing lanes between camera points has no effect on the system's ability to match your entry and exit times. The cameras read your plate regardless of which lane you are in.

Myth: “Slowing down just before the cameras beats the system”

Reality: This is the entire point of average speed cameras — they measure your speed over the whole distance, not at a single point. If you speed through the middle section and slow down near the cameras, your average speed will still exceed the limit if you haven't allowed enough extra time. The maths is simple: there is no way to beat it without actually reducing your average speed over the entire section.

Myth: “They only work in one direction”

Reality: Most P2P installations monitor both directions of travel. Each direction has its own set of cameras and operates as an independent system. Both carriageways are monitored simultaneously.

Myth: “The cameras can't work at night”

Reality: Average speed cameras use infrared illumination to read number plates in all light conditions, including complete darkness. The infrared flash is invisible to the driver, so you will not see a flash or be aware the camera has read your plate. The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Myth: “Motorcycles can't be caught by P2P cameras”

Reality: While it is true that some older ANPR systems had difficulty reading motorcycle rear plates, modern systems have been specifically designed to capture motorcycle registrations. Riders are not exempt from average speed camera enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I speed up between camera points as long as my average is under the limit?
While the system measures your average speed over the entire section, speeding at any point is still dangerous and illegal. Police can also enforce speed limits using other methods (mobile cameras, radar guns) within point-to-point zones. The purpose of average speed cameras is to encourage consistent, safe driving over the entire route — not to allow speeding between points.
Do average speed cameras only operate on motorways?
No. While many average speed cameras are installed on motorways and major highways, they are also commonly used in roadworks zones, tunnels, and on urban arterial roads. The ACT has one of the most extensive point-to-point networks in Australia, covering suburban and urban roads as well as major routes.
What happens if I stop for fuel or food within a point-to-point zone?
If you stop within a point-to-point zone (for example, at a service station), the time spent stationary reduces your overall average speed. This means your average speed will be lower than your actual driving speed. The system does not distinguish between driving time and stationary time — it simply divides the distance by the total elapsed time between camera points.
Can average speed cameras detect vehicles in both directions?
Yes. Point-to-point systems are typically installed to monitor traffic in both directions. Each direction of travel has its own set of camera points and operates independently. The cameras use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), which can read plates from the front or rear of a vehicle.
Are average speed cameras more accurate than fixed cameras?
Yes, in a sense. Because average speed cameras measure speed over a long distance (often several kilometres), they are less susceptible to momentary inaccuracies that can affect single-point measurements. The calculation is based on distance and time — two values that can be measured with very high precision. This makes point-to-point systems one of the most reliable forms of speed enforcement.
Do average speed cameras have a tolerance?
Any enforcement threshold is jurisdiction-specific and is not consistently published. Drivers should travel at or below the posted limit throughout the monitored section rather than assume a tolerance.