Transport for NSW has begun the trial of a new marine digital speed indicator sign at Swansea Channel in Lake Macquarie with the goal of improving boating safety.
Executive Director of NSW Maritime, Mark Hutchings said the trial would continue to the end of September, providing boat operators with an indication of their speed as they pass the sign.
“The NSW Government is committed to improving boater safety by ensuring vessel operators follow speed restriction signs,” Mr Hutchings said.
“The sign detects and digitally displays a boater’s speed on approach, to encourage safe and lawful travelling speeds for boaters.”
He said the trial would consider how well the technology performed during the day and at night and under various weather conditions.
“The signage will be operational 24/7 during the trial and is used as an educational speed indicator only,” Mr Hutchings said.
“It will not be used to issue speeding fines,”
He said the Maritime Safety Plan 2021 identified speed as a priority safety issue in Roads and Maritime Services efforts to achieve a 30 per cent reduction in fatal and serious boating incidents by 2021.
“The ultimate aim of the trial is to improve maritime safety by reducing speed related boating incidents,” Mr Hutchings said.
He said further information was available by calling 13 12 36 or emailing [email protected].
