Transport for NSW will carry out a trial of new electronic speed signage at Swansea Channel in Lake Macquarie starting next week.
NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings said the trial will continue until the end of September and provide 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.
Mr Hutchings said the trial will consider how well the technology performs 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. It will not be used to issue speeding fines,” he said.
“The Maritime Safety Plan 2021 identifies speed as a priority safety issue in our efforts to achieve a 30% 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.”
The LED light from the marine radar sign will automatically dim at night and is not expected to cause any disturbance to nearby residences. The local community has been alerted to the trial.
For more information call 13 12 36, email csemaritime@rms.nsw.gov.au or visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime.
