SPEEDING tickets in Warwick rose nearly 50% in a 12-month period, new speed camera statistics have revealed.

An APN Newsdesk investigation has shown between June 1, 2014, and May 31, 2015, drivers on Warwick and Stanthorpe roads racked up about $1.6 million in fines after police issued more than 8600 tickets.

Documents released under Right to Information laws reveal speeding tickets in the Warwick police division increased from 5374 to 7663, and in the Stanthorpe division tickets increased from 567 to 962.

Warwick police Senior Sergeant Jamie Deacon said the increase was likely due to a reduction in speed camera tolerances and a police determination to target speeding.

"Enforcement has been high. Warwick and the patrol group area has a high number of injury and fatal accidents. So this is always in focus for us," he said.

"Combine that with a reduction in tolerances and that could explain the spike in numbers."

He said the Warwick region was home to a number of major highways as well as close to tourist centres that people on long trips may speed to get to.

"Drivers coming from NSW on their way to Brisbane or Toowoomba can get to Warwick and think, 'We're nearly there', and speed up a bit. That can be a factor in regards to fatigue as well."

Snr Sgt Deacon said high-speed accidents were some of the most distressing incidents police were called to.

"For police and other emergency services, it can be very traumatic," he said.

"And it's not just the crash that is hard. It goes on. Reports to next of kin, reports to the coroner. They can be very emotional as well."

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said speed camera fines must be spent on road safety.

"Fines from speed cameras and mobile sites are legislated to go back into road safety programs. So claims speed cameras are revenue-raising just doesn't stack up," she said.