Motorists left baffled by new roadside cameras on busy Australian highway - as the simple explanation is revealed

By STEVE WILLIAMS, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: | Updated:

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, which has tracked wheels and a large rectangular device on top, were shared on social media.

Aussies guessed it was a new speed camera, a camera to catch drivers using mobile phones and even a 'sound camera' to target hooners on busy roads. 

Transport for NSW revealed to Daily Mail Australia the device is in fact a new camera being trialed to monitor bus lanes.

Duncan Lucas, Executive Director of Road Safety Regulation said similar technology, used to catch unauthorised use of bus lanes, was already in operation. 

'However the technology is reaching end of life,' he said. 

'As a result, Transport went to market in late 2023 seeking expressions of interest for potential replacement of this technology, with a number of vendors responding.'

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

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. 

'Absolutely no enforcement action is being undertaken during the testing of new technology,' he confirmed. 

The trial of the new bus lane cameras is just in time for the October long weekend in most states of Australia, with police cracking down on dangerous drivers. 

New South Wales

NSW police will be targeting drink and drug driving, fatigue, mobile phone use, speeding and seat belt and helmet offences, with double demerits coming into effect from 12.01am on Friday until 11.59pm on Monday.

Australian Capital Territory

Double demerit points came into effect for four days from Friday until 11.59pm on Monday.

Queensland

Double demerits are in force all year-round, but only hit drivers who commit the same offence twice in 12 months.

South Australia

Although Monday is a public holiday in South Australia, there is no double demerit points system in place. 

South AustraliaNew South WalesSydney

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