Tasmanian speed cameras detected only 7500 speeding drivers in 2013-14.

In 2009-10 the figure was closer to 10 times that at 67,800, according to Tasmania Police’s annual report.

A conservative estimate, based on an $80 speeding ticket (the lowest fine), places lost revenue at $4.8 million at a time of severe budget cutbacks.

Since 2009, speeding fines from police officers has remained relatively steady indicating that a change in driver behaviour isn’t driving the drop in fines.

So what has happened since 2009-10?

In 2012 police axed 11 civilian speed camera operators in response to government budget cuts.

Another factor was the ageing cameras that were nearing the end of their operational life, which led to an increase in downtime.

However, in late 2012 police started replacing the fleet with 10 new cameras.

Two were placed permanently on the Tasman Bridge while the other eight mobile speed cameras were deployed around the state.

While these were dogged with technical issues early on, the problem was meant to be resolved, making it unclear why speed camera fines still remain so low.

The amount of roadside hours gives little away. In 2009-10 the cameras logged 18,514 roadside hours compared with 17,078 hours in 2013-14, when more than 60,000 fewer fines were handed out.

Police Assistant Commissioner Donna Adams said there were 180 other speed detection devices used by police.

‘‘In total more than 48,000 infringements were issued for speeding offences last financial year,’’ she said.

The Examiner sought to ask the government whether it would reintroduce civilian speed camera operators, but Police Minister Rene Hidding could not be reached.

Former opposition police spokeswoman Elise Archer, now Speaker of the House of Assembly, was critical of the then-government’s decision to axe civilian operators.