Between January and March 2005, figures obtained under Freedom of Information by the state Opposition show the State Government coined in $520,000 from local motorists.

This compared with $460,000 for the same period last year.

The average speed camera fine of $152 remained unchanged.

In the Ballarat, Maryborough, Ballan and Bacchus Marsh areas, the total number of speed camera fines jumped from 3024 to 3433.

Opposition spokesman for transport, Terry Mulder, said the 13.5 per cent rise in speed camera fines was way in excess of the growth in car registrations or the region's population.

But Toby Hemming, spokesman for Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Tim Holding, said it was a shame that the Opposition continued to talk down the road safety message.

"Historically, road safety initiatives have received bipartisan support but the Opposition has now chosen to put politics ahead of Victorians' safety," Mr Hemming said.

"The Bracks Government is proud of its record on saving lives and the results speak for themselves."

Mr Hemming said it was recognised that imposing fines on speeding drivers modified their behaviour.

"Speeding fines encourage people to slow down and the good news is this is happening," Mr Hemming said.

"Research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre shows that by not publishing the location of speed cameras, it adds to the effectiveness of the regime."