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Centre for Road Safety

  1. NSW Centre for Road Safety
  2. Driving too fast
  3. Speed Adviser
  4. FAQs

FAQs

Common Speed Adviser questions

  1. Is Speed Adviser likely to distract the driver?
  2. Are learner and provisional drivers able to use Speed Adviser?
  3. Does Speed Adviser track the user or record their speed?
  4. Will Speed Adviser cause my phone to crash?
  5. How accurate is Speed Adviser?
  6. How should I report any errors with Speed Adviser?
  7. Does Speed Adviser offer GPS directional guidance?
  8. Why use Speed Adviser instead of a traditional GPS navigational device?
  9. What if Speed Adviser says the speed limit is higher than the signposted speed limit?
  10. Will Speed Adviser know of temporary speed limits, such as roadworks?
  11. How does Speed Adviser handle variable speed limits?
  12. Does Speed Adviser know when mobile speed cameras are in operation?
  13. Does Speed Adviser know the times of school zones?
  14. How do I change the voice alerts on Speed Adviser?
  15. How do I turn Speed Adviser off?
  16. How do I adjust Speed Adviser's volume?
  17. How do I get Speed Adviser to run in the background?
  18. How much data does Speed Adviser use?
  19. Does Speed Adviser use the phone’s battery?
  20. If Speed Adviser tells me there is no signal, how do I get a signal?
  21. Why is Speed Adviser waiting for a signal when I have full 3G or 4G signal strength?
  22. Why is there no sound coming from Speed Adviser?
  23. Why am I not receiving mobile speed camera zone alerts?
  24. Can I connect Speed Adviser to my vehicle’s stereo system?
  25. Why does Speed Adviser ask for ‘settings’ each time?
  26. How can I offer my feedback on Speed Adviser?

1. Is Speed Adviser likely to distract the driver?

No. The app does not require a driver to interact with it in any way while driving a vehicle. The app provides audio alerts in addition to visual alerts to reduce distraction. When using the app your phone must be secured in a commercially manufactured mounting and be mounted as intended by the manufacturer.

2. Are learner and provisional drivers able to use Speed Adviser?

No. Under NSW Road Rules, learner drivers and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers must not use any function of a smartphone when operating a vehicle, including Speed Adviser. Drivers need to Know the rules on mobile phone use.

3. Does Speed Adviser track the user or record their speed?

No. The app does not record a driver's location, position or the speed of their vehicle.

4. Will Speed Adviser cause my phone to crash?

No. Transport for NSW conducts its own internal testing to ensure the app won't cause problems with your phone.

5. How accurate is Speed Adviser?

The app relies on two functions to provide reliable speed zone information; the speed zone map database, which is embedded in the app, and the phone's built-in GPS feature which is used to determine the location of the phone. The changing nature of speed zones and mobile speed camera zones means that sometimes the data in your phone may not be up-to-date. We release updates about every six months.

6. How should I report any errors with Speed Adviser?

If you notice an error with a speed zone while using the app, please email us at SpeedlinkSupport@transport.nsw.gov.au when you have reached your destination.

7. Does Speed Adviser offer GPS directional guidance?

No. Speed Adviser is not a navigational device. It is a driver's aid, with the specific function of helping drivers adhere to the speed limit. There are many commercial providers of navigational apps, some of which are free. Transport for NSW does not intend to integrate navigational capabilities into the Speed Adviser app.

8. Why use Speed Adviser instead of a traditional GPS navigational device?

The app was created to deliver road safety benefits with the growing popularity of smartphones. Some traditional GPS navigational devices include functions similar to Speed Adviser, but they are not necessarily made for road safety purposes. Also, unlike navigational devices, Speed Adviser knows the operating times of every school zone in NSW as well as temporary ‘winter’ speed zones in the NSW Snowy Mountains region.

9. What if Speed Adviser says the speed limit is higher than the signposted speed limit?

Under no circumstances does the information provided by Speed Adviser override the signposted speed limit for any speed zone. Transport for NSW tries to ensure that the app is as accurate and reliable as possible, but drivers should always adhere to the signposted speed limit.

10. Will Speed Adviser know of temporary speed limits, such as roadworks?

No. Speed Adviser will not display any temporary roadwork speed limits. The app does not have a live update function. Drivers should always adhere to the signposted speed limit at roadwork sites.

11. How does Speed Adviser handle variable speed limits?

When travelling through an area with variable speed limits, the app will announce the presence of the variable speed zone, but it will only show the maximum speed limit for that area. In these zones, it is important to follow the signposted speed limits, as these are enforcable.

12. Does Speed Adviser know when mobile speed cameras are in operation?

No. The app knows the locations in NSW where mobile speed cameras are allowed to operate. However, it does not know when these cameras are actually in operation. Speed Adviser will notify you when you enter the zone with an audio and visual alert. The app will display a camera (shown below) while driving through a mobile speed camera zone. While the app aims to provide accurate mobile speed camera zone information, drivers should always adhere to the signposted speed limit.

13. Does Speed Adviser know the times of school zones?

Yes. The app knows the times of each NSW school speed zone. It provides an audible announcement when entering and leaving active school zones. The app also knows which school zones have extended or different operating times. While the app aims to provide accurate school zone information, drivers should always adhere to the signposted speed limit.

14. How do I change the voice alerts on Speed Adviser?

  1. Tap on the Alerts icon on the main screen of the app.
  2. A prompt asking what type of audio alert you want to hear will appear. The current choices are: Male Voice, Female Voice, Beep or None. Select as desired. Please note that the beep option was removed to enable mobile speed camera alerts.

 

15. How do I turn Speed Adviser off?

Tap the Quit button at the bottom right of the screen. When asked if you're sure you want to quit, tap Quit again and the app will turn itself off. This will stop the app consuming further battery power.

16. How do I adjust Speed Adviser's volume?

Tap the main screen and a volume slider and a brightness slider will appear. You can adjust the volume using the slider. Each time you change the volume setting you will hear "Alert".

17. How do I get Speed Adviser to run in the background?

Speed Adviser can provide audio alerts as a background app and can be used in combination with other apps, including navigational apps. Ensure you select “Always (iOS)” or “All the Time (Android)" Location Access so Speed Advisor can function properly in the background. 

Once Speed Adviser has been given the appropriate location access, launch Speed Adviser and simply return to your device's Home Screen or switch to another app to have Speed Adviser running in the background. Remember to switch back to Speed Adviser and quit the app if you no longer require its alerts to conserve your device’s battery.

18. How much data does Speed Adviser use?

Speed Adviser doesn't use any data apart from the initial download.

19. Does Speed Adviser use the phone’s battery?

Yes. Like any performance intensive app, Speed Adviser requires significant battery power. It is best to keep the device connected to a charger while using it and to quit the app when it's not needed (see 'How do I turn Speed Adviser off?' above for guidance on quitting the app).

20. If Speed Adviser tells me there is no signal, how do I get a signal?

To check that a GPS signal is being received by your phone, go to Settings and:

  • for iPhones tap on ‘Privacy’ and ensure 'Location Services’ is turned on
  • for Android devices tap on 'Location’ and ensure it is turned on.

Please note that as Speed Adviser has been developed by the NSW government, it will only work within New South Wales.

21. Why is Speed Adviser waiting for a signal when I have full 3G or 4G signal strength?

Your phone receives two types of signals; a 3G/4G signal from your selected carrier, which carries both voice and data, and a GPS signal. Speed Adviser only uses your phone's GPS signal. The five bars or dots that appear in your phone's status bar indicate the strength of the signal from your chosen 3G/4G carrier. The GPS signal for your phone works independently from your selected carrier's 3G/4G signal. You cannot conclude that because the 3G/4G signal from your selected carrier is strong, that the GPS signal is also strong.

If the incoming GPS data is found to be good enough for the app's purposes, the app will immediately start working normally. If the data is not good enough, the app will display the message ‘Waiting for GPS signal' and then it waits for the GPS signal to improve. This may take several minutes.

Assuming there is no fault with the GPS hardware in your phone, any of the following suggestions may improve your phone’s GPS reception, enough to enable the initial GPS lock and sufficient GPS data for the Speed Adviser app to begin functioning:

  • Ensure your phone is mounted where it will have a clear view of the sky. Under the front windscreen is good, unless you have a windscreen coating with metallic content - in which case try mounting it against a side window.
  • If possible, move away from buildings, tunnels or mountainous areas.
  • Ensure your phone's battery is fully charged. Power it from your vehicle if possible.
  • Remove your phone from any pouch or case.
  • Ensure the phone's date, time and time zone are set correctly. If possible, elect to have these set automatically.
  • Ensure Mobile Data is activated:
    • For Android devices go to Settings then tap on Connections, select Data usage and ensure Mobile data is turned on.
    • For iPhones go to Settings, tap on Mobile and check that Mobile Data is turned on.
  • Ensure Wi-Fi is activated:
    • For Android devices go to Settings then tap on Connections and ensure Wi-Fi is turned on.
    • For iPhones go to Settings then tap on Wi-Fi and check it’s turned on.
  • Restart the phone

If none of this works, check to see if other apps on your phone which also use GPS are working OK.

22. Why is there no sound coming from Speed Adviser?

Speed Adviser only plays audio alerts when:

  • The speed limit changes
  • You exceed the speed limit
  • You enter/leave an active school zone
  • You enter a mobile speed camera zone.

The ring/silent switch on the side of your phone does not affect Speed Adviser's alerts.

See How do I adjust Speed Adviser's volume? for advice on how to adjust the app’s volume settings.

Please note that if the ‘Beep’ option is selected for audio alert, then a tone with multiple beeps is played when you exceed the speed limit and a single tone is played when the speed limit changes. There are no tones when entering/leaving an active school zone or when entering a mobile speed camera zone.

23. Why am I not receiving mobile speed camera zone alerts?

All Speed Adviser users will need to reinstall the app to get the latest version and features.

24. Can I connect Speed Adviser to my vehicle’s stereo system?

Yes, if your vehicle’s stereo supports phone connectivity or has an external (auxiliary) input.

Please note that Speed Adviser does not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Use the appropriate cabling to connect your phone to your vehicle’s stereo. Turn the stereo on and select your phone as your audio source. The volume of Speed Adviser's alerts will now be governed by the volume setting on your vehicle's stereo system.

If your vehicle’s stereo supports the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you may be able to stream Speed Adviser's audio to your vehicle’s stereo system over Bluetooth. To do this, go to Settings and turn Bluetooth on. Then tap the ‘Bluetooth’ heading. After making your phone discoverable, elect to ‘search’ or ‘scan’ for nearby Bluetooth devices. Your vehicle’s stereo should appear in the list of available devices. Select your vehicle’s stereo from the list to pair with it. You may need to enter a PIN code, which should be listed in your vehicle’s stereo system's manual (it will probably be 0000 or 1111).

Set your stereo's audio source to Bluetooth and you should hear Speed Adviser's alerts through your vehicle’s stereo speakers. To test this, invoke the volume/brightness popup by tapping anywhere on Speed Adviser's main screen, then try adjusting the volume slider. Each time you change the volume setting you will hear "Alert" through your vehicle’s speakers.

25. Why does Speed Adviser ask for ‘settings’ each time?

Speed Adviser prompts users to “Open Settings” to enable “Always” (on iOS) or “All the Time” (on Android) Location Access as it requires this location access to provide audio alerts if users switch to another app or turn off the display.

If you only use the Speed Adviser app by having it as the foreground app, you can dismiss the prompt by selecting “Later” or “While using the app" Location Access.

Location permission in your device’s Location or Privacy preferences can be managed and updated at any time. Location data is not stored, as per the Speed Adviser privacy policy.

26. How can I offer my feedback on Speed Adviser?

If you wish to report an incorrect speed zone appearing on the app, please email us at SpeedlinkSupport@transport.nsw.gov.au

If you’d like to offer general comments or suggestions, or if you have questions about Speed Adviser, please email us at roadsafetytechnology@transport.nsw.gov.au

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