Latest news with #NRMA
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Incredible road trend after Aussie speed cameras switched to enforcement mode
Just a year after a new set of speed cameras were switched on to enforcement mode inside a notorious inner city tunnel, over 20,000 drivers have been caught speeding — generating almost $5 million in fines. According to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) data, analysed by the state opposition, motorists in Sydney continue to get stung by speed cameras at the Rozelle Interchange, in the city's inner west, more than at any other spot in the state. The cameras only began issuing fines last year, but since then, the westbound cameras have detected more than 21,000 speeding drivers, generating $4.6 million in fines. It's all part of a wider trend, with the state's total fine revenue hitting $414 million last financial year, marking a 25 per cent rise on the year before. The figures showed that high-earning hotspots include the NorthConnex tunnel at Normanhurst (southbound) — bringing in $4.7 million — and the WestConnex tunnel at Newtown (southbound), with speeding fines totalling $4 million. While the numbers seem eye-watering, TfNSW said there are signs of improvement. At one point, a quarter of drivers in the Rozelle Interchange were caught speeding, but now it's dropped to one in 40. The NRMA's Peter Khoury told 9News that with "traffic volumes" inevitably "going to increase" at Rozelle, revenue should be reinvested in road safety initiatives. Speed camera changes rolled out across NSW The latest data comes as average speed cameras on two major stretches of highway in the state were switched on to enforcement mode. Previously, they only detected trucks, but now, they're scanning for all vehicles, with fines and penalties in place. Warning as new cameras officially target drivers from today Millions warned as speed camera change becomes official Urgent warning over deadly trend on Aussie roads The trial cameras are located on the Pacific and Hume highways in regional NSW, which disproportionately bear two-thirds of the state road toll despite being home to a third of the population. Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the severity of the road toll has been — and remains — a major point of focus for the Minns Labor Government. "Speeding contributes to around 42 per cent of road fatalities every year, and so far this year, speeding has contributed to 33 per cent of all road fatalities. That's 59 lives lost due to dangerous driving, just this year," Aitchison earlier said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Time Business News
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Car in Australia?
Owning a car in Australia is more than just a one-time purchase — it's a long-term financial commitment. From registration fees and insurance to loan repayments and fuel costs, Australians often discover that car ownership includes many expenses they hadn't initially considered. So, how much does it cost to own a car in the long run? Let's break it down clearly and simply. Buying a car is exciting — there's nothing like that new car smell and the joy of driving it off the lot. But once the thrill settles, reality hits. Beyond the purchase price, there are several ongoing costs every Australian car owner should budget for. Every car on the road in Australia must be registered annually. But how much you pay depends on the state or territory you live in, the type of vehicle, and sometimes even where you live within the state. New South Wales : Base rego is $79, with vehicle tax between $255–$1,397 based on weight. : Base rego is $79, with vehicle tax between $255–$1,397 based on weight. Queensland : Charges by the number of cylinders. For example, a 4-cylinder car costs around $646.70 annually. : Charges by the number of cylinders. For example, a 4-cylinder car costs around $646.70 annually. Victoria : Varies by region (metro vs. rural), with costs ranging from $780.10 to $906.60. : Varies by region (metro vs. rural), with costs ranging from $780.10 to $906.60. ACT (Canberra) : One of the highest averages, with rego around $1,240 per year. : One of the highest averages, with rego around $1,240 per year. Western Australia, Tasmania, NT, and SA: Have their own systems, often based on either weight or engine size. Insurance is essential and varies depending on your age, driving record, and location. According to recent comparisons: Queensland : Average annual premium is around $1,028. : Average annual premium is around $1,028. New South Wales: Highest average at approximately $1,440. On top of this, many drivers opt for extras like comprehensive insurance or roadside assistance. For example, NRMA charges about $258.88 for its standard roadside service. Fuel is often the largest ongoing cost. Car Expert reports that Aussie households spend around $5,275 per year on fuel — that's just over $100 each week. If you're looking to cut down on fuel costs, an electric vehicle (EV) might help. The Electric Vehicle Council estimates EV drivers spend around $500 per year if they cover 12,000 km or less. Every car needs servicing, whether it's an oil change or a new set of tires. Here's what to expect: Basic yearly maintenance : Around $500–$1,000. : Around $500–$1,000. Unexpected repairs (like a failed air conditioner): Can cost $1,500 or more. (like a failed air conditioner): Can cost $1,500 or more. Warranty coverage: New cars often come with 5–10 years of warranty. Used cars may still be under warranty, but always check the details before purchase. Not every cost is essential, but some car owners like to personalise or upgrade: Custom license plates : One-time and annual fees vary by state. VIC: From $185 (one-off). NSW: Up to $499 per year. SA: Annual fee starts from $235. : One-time and annual fees vary by state. Parking and tolls: Especially high if you commute into major cities daily. For many Australians, financing is the most practical way to get a car. But car loans come with their own set of considerations — especially if you're weighing up a balloon payment car loan. A balloon payment is a lump sum due at the end of your car loan term. It reduces your regular repayments but leaves a large final payment you'll need to settle later. It might sound attractive, but there are pros and cons. Example 1: $30,000 loan over 7 years at 8.5% interest Balloon Payment Weekly Repayment Total Interest Total Repayable $0 (0%) $109.42 $9,828.69 $39,828.69 $6,000 (20%) $97.34 $11,432.95 $41,432.95 $12,000 (40%) $85.27 $13,037.21 $43,037.21 Lower repayments sound great, but they come at the cost of higher total interest and a big bill at the end. Example 2: $50,000 loan over 7 years at 8.5% interest Balloon Payment Weekly Repayment Total Interest Total Repayable $0 (0%) $182.37 $16,381.14 $66,381.14 $10,000 (20%) $162.24 $19,054.92 $69,054.92 $20,000 (40%) $142.11 $21,728.69 $71,728.69 That's why it's essential to use a car loan calculator with balloon features to see how much you're really paying and whether it fits your financial goals. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. A balloon payment might be a good choice if: You want lower weekly or monthly repayments. You plan to refinance or sell the car before the balloon is due. You're disciplined enough to save for the final payment. However, be aware that: You'll pay more in total over the life of the loan. You must be financially ready to cover the lump sum when it's due. Interest is still calculated on the entire loan amount, including the balloon. So, how much does it cost to own a car in Australia? While prices vary, here's a rough annual estimate for a mid-range vehicle: Registration : $700–$1,200 : $700–$1,200 Insurance : $1,000–$1,400 : $1,000–$1,400 Fuel : $5,000–$5,500 : $5,000–$5,500 Maintenance : $500–$1,000 : $500–$1,000 Miscellaneous (roadside, tolls, parking, etc.): $500–$1,000 Total: $7,700 to $10,100 per year — not including loan repayments. That's why it's crucial to budget beyond the car's sticker price. Whether you choose to finance with or without a balloon, make sure you're using tools like a car loan calculator with balloon options to stay informed. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
9 News
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- 9 News
A quarter of drivers admit to microsleep behind the wheel
Almost one in four Australians have succumbed to a microsleep while driving, new research from the NRMA has revealed. The nationwide index survey of more than 2000 Australians showed that, of the 23 per cent of respondents who had fallen asleep behind the wheel, almost two-thirds said it occurred during the day. The shocking figure comes as the national road toll for the past 12 months to May sits at 1337 deaths. LIVE UPDATES: Thousands without power and some residents told to stay indoors as wild weather hits NSW coast Fatigue is a factor in one in five crashes on Australian roads, the NRMA says. (iStock) This is a 4.8 per cent increase from the same time last year, figures from the federal government's National Road Safety Data Hub show. The NRMA survey results also found that nearly 40 per cent of drivers are not taking a break at least every two hours when driving longer distances of three hours or more. When planning a road trip, 61 per cent were most concerned about beating the traffic and almost one-quarter left before sunrise, the research showed. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said too many Australians were losing their lives because they were driving exhausted. "Fatigue is a factor in one in five crashes on Australian roads, the road toll this year is already far too high and this unnecessary risk can be removed by taking a break," Khoury said. The survey results come as many Australians prepare to hit the road for their winter break. Almost 70 per cent of Australians planned to stay within the country for their next holiday, and, for those who would be travelling interstate, 45 per cent planned to drive. Khoury said as more Australians chose to travel domestically for their holidays due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it was vital drivers prioritised safety on our roads.
News.com.au
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
‘Fairness': Major change outlaws ticketless parking fines in NSW
The NSW government has taken steps to bring back 'fairness and transparency' to its parking fine system, five years after a controversial change. The Minns Labor government has announced a return to ticketed parking fines, ending what it refers to as 'years of an unfair system', where drivers could be issued a parking fine but not be notified until weeks after the offence. The ticketless system was implemented by the Coalition in 2020, and quickly saw a significant rise in the number of fines issued. The reforms will reinstate the old-school on-the-spot ticketing system which will require parking officers to physically attach a parking fine or notification to the vehicle. There will also be a requirement for the driver of the vehicle to be notified of the fine no longer than seven days after the offence takes place. NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said the new system would ensure people would no longer be 'caught by a surprise parking ticket weeks later'. 'Our commonsense changes bring fairness and transparency back to the system' she said. 'Motorists will once again benefit from on-the-spot notifications. New requirements that motorists are provided with photos of the offence will assist them if they wish to object to a fine.' NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury said the organisation welcomed the removal of ticketless parking fines in NSW, and commended the state government 'for listening to motorists and making this commonsense reform'. 'Transparency matters. People deserve to know when and why they're being fined – and to have a fair chance to challenge if needed,' he said. 'The Government has worked through the issues, consulted widely, and come to an appropriate solution. Today is a great day for NSW motorists.'
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Huge change to parking fines coming for millions of Australians: What you need to know
Ticketless parking fines are now officially banned in New South Wales. The system was first introduced in 2020 under former Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian, with more than a third of the state's 128 councils reportedly adopting the measure. However, in 2024, the Labor Government labelled ticketless parking fines as 'unfair' and took steps to overhaul the system, arguing that drivers were often fined without knowing, sometimes not receiving any notification until weeks after the offence. From July 1, councils will be required to issue on-the-spot paper tickets for parking violations, replacing the ticketless system that had caused fines to surge by nearly 50 per cent shortly after it was introduced. A physical ticket must be left on the vehicle, and a photo of the offence must be taken - unless it is unsafe for the officer to do so NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said community feedback strongly supported the change, calling the return to ticketed fines a fairer and more transparent approach. 'No one likes getting a parking fine. Finding out about it two weeks later stings even more,' she said. 'Bringing back on-the-spot notification for parking fines is a common-sense reform and restores fairness and integrity to the parking fine system.' 'Motorists will once again benefit from on-the-spot notifications. New requirements that motorists are provided with photos of the offence will assist them if they wish to object to a fine,' Ms Houssos said. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury praised the state government for sorting it out. 'Transparency matters. People deserve to know when and why they're being fined – and to have a fair chance to challenge if needed,' he said. 'The Government has worked through the issues, consulted widely, and come to an appropriate solution. Today is a great day for NSW motorists.'
