The M1 motorway camera at Gwynneville is renowned for dragging in more than $1 million in fines each year.

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The speed camera along the Princes Highway at West Wollongong could be set to join it if the trends of the first four months of this financial year continue.

Northbound, the camera has nabbed 2047 drivers in that period for $541,442 in fines.

For the entire 2020-21 financial year, northbound fines totalled $623,797.

Southbound it's the same story with fine revenue sitting at $438,086 for this financial year compared to $583,993 for 2020-21.

The reason for the surge comes from the spike in drivers caught speeding while the school zone is in operation - apparently thinking that, with students' home schooling, the zones didn't count.

In the first four months of this financial year, northbound speeders coughed up $508,536 in school zone fines, a 78 per cent jump on the same time last year.

Southbound, there was a 53 per cent rise year on year to $417,478 this financial year.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy said the department was aware of the spike in school zone speeding outside TIGS during a period of COVID lockdown.

"Unfortunately, fewer cars on the road can provide greater temptation to speed," Ms McCarthy said.

"While most students in NSW were learning remotely, schools remained open for those who needed to attend, and school zones were still enforced from the first day of term.

"Drivers need to slow down and always stick to the reduced speed limit. It's also important to remember when you see those flashing lights, slow down and keep an eye out for children."

She said there were no faults with the camera; the speed measurement device was last tested on July 22, 2021 and the camera itself on December 15.

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