What you need to know about Victoria’s new high-tech speed cameras

New high-tech, mobile speed cameras part of $120 million plan to reduce road toll.

RACV has welcomed new “clever” speed cameras in the war on Victoria’s escalating road toll.

RACV’s senior manager transport, planning and infrastructure, Peter Kartsidimas, says the 80 high-tech cameras announced by police and emergency services minister Lisa Neville on 11 December will play a key role in making our roads safer by deterring people from speeding.

The new mobile speed cameras are designed to detect speeding motorists anywhere at any time with their portable technology and ability to operate day or night. Ten of the cameras are in operation now and a further 70 will be progressively introduced by March 2020.

The cameras can be set up in any of the 2000 existing Victoria Police mobile traffic safety camera sites, including on busy main roads and suburban rat-runs. The locations have been selected due to a history of speed-related crashes or because they have been identified by the public or police as having speed-related problems.

These next-generation cameras can scan six lanes of traffic in either direction, regardless of what side of the road the camera is set up on, and can identify multiple speeding offenders.

Radar tracking technology can detect speeds of up to 350kmh and is not affected by trams, median strips or steel obstructions.

The new mobile cameras are part of a $120 million state government plan announced in the 2019-20 budget to increase mobile camera enforcement by 75 per cent.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) estimates that up to 60 lives can be saved and 260 serious injuries prevented every year by expanding the program by 75 per cent. 

Victoria’s road toll stands at 257 people compared to 199 at the same time last year. Minister for roads, road safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford says: “The number of deaths on our roads this year is heartbreaking and this new, state-of-the-art technology is about holding motorists to account and changing driver behaviour.”

With the Victorian road toll up 25 per cent on this time last year, RACV is urging Victorians to take extra care on the roads this festive season.

RACV's Brodie Bott says the Christmas holiday period is traditionally one of the worst on the state’s roads.  

“Twelve people died on our roads during the Christmas and New Year period last year and that’s 12 people too many,” Brodie says. 

“Despite the large number of road safety campaigns and warnings, we are still seeing the road toll increase. The carnage must stop and it’s up to all road users to play their part.  

“No family wants to be mourning the loss of a loved one at this time of the year. While it is the season to celebrate and socialise, it doesn’t mean that road users can let their guard down.” 

RACV also reminds drivers that fatigue and distraction are just as dangerous for drivers as alcohol or drugs. 

“One momentary lapse of concentration or slight misjudgement can have terrible and irreversible consequences,” Brodie says. 

“Victorians travelling over the Christmas and New Year break should plan their trips in advance, allow for regular breaks, and share the driving where possible.

“RACV encourages people to consider whether it’s best to wait until the next morning to hit the road, rather than driving late into the night.” 

Victoria Police’s 24-day holiday road blitz, Operation Roadwise, began on 13 December and continues until Sunday, 5 January.