Spike in traffic monitoring in Sydney?

[Arctra]

In the last couple of days I've noticed a LOT more of what I presume are traffic monitoring devices - the ones where there are 2 thick black cables across the lane about 1m apart connected to a secured metal box near the road. Anyone else noticed that too? Are they purely for gathering data on the quantity of traffic using a road, or are they gathering data on the speeds of vehicles using the road too? It's almost like the NSW government has "funded research" so they can find the best spots to put more revenue generators... I mean... "safety camera's".

Or am I just being paranoid?

[elephino]

I've noticed these too. I don't expect you're paranoid but until the speed cameras turn up, I'm going to think positive and think they're trying to work out where to raise speed limits (yes, I know I'm off with the fairies for thinking this).

[goodfella]

or Pre Election roadworks! Planning movement and disruption strategies.

[Big Al]

Dude!

These things are everywhere, and ive also noticed they are either right before or right after existing speed cameras.
Possibly to monitor how fast drivers are going before and/or after they pass a speed camera.. possible point to point introductions?

[hooba]

Councils use them to monitor traffic volume / time of day / velocity.