However, speeding motorists will not see a break going forward as mobile cameras will be deployed for more hours and in more locations to make up for the shortfall.

Labor MLC John Graham questioned staff from Transport for NSW's Centre for Road Safety at a NSW Parliament budget estimates hearing yesterday on why there appeared to be a "catastrophic failure" in mobile speed cameras.

Mr Graham pointed to Wagga as an example, which had seen 418 fines in June for a total of $63,540 in penalties, followed by zero fines and penalties during July.

"Why have fines from these cameras dropped from record highs in a range of locations to zero? In Wagga in April there were 584 offences, Wagga has often been in the top 10 locations...they have dropped to zero," Mr Graham asked.

"What is going on in these locations?"

Centre for Road Safety executive director Bernard Carlon told the hearing that Acusensus, as the new speed camera contractor for southern areas of NSW including Wagga, had "suffered quite significant impacts from COVID-19".

"[That included] significant impacts on their ability to purchase vehicles and vehicle fit-out prior to the commencement of the contract and also establishing new COVID-safe mechanisms and onboard training of workers," Mr Carlon told the hearing.

"There was a short-term impact on their ability to deliver the program, which was negotiated, noting that the contract actually culminates a growth in hours up to the end of the year to meet the 21,000 hours [by the end of the year].

"We are confident that will be able to be delivered and they have already started to expand their vehicles and enforcement activity in the following month."

In other news

Wagga has seen low-level speeding fines increase by 942 per cent after warning signs were removed from in front of mobile speed cameras late last year.

Wagga-based Nationals MLC Wes Fang, who has been a persistent critic of hidden speed cameras, also attended the budget estimates hearing.

"Wagga residents have had a welcome reprieve from speed fines," Mr Fang said.

"The Transport Secretary and the Centre for Road Safety both said they expect the same amount of enforcement hours to be completed this year, therefore I would warn every driver to very much watch their speed, particularly now as there will be increased enforcement in the coming weeks and months."

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