High-tech speed cameras headed for Victoria

Victorian minister for police and emergency services Kim Wells confirmed the state’s 141 mobile speed cameras would be replaced with the new technology before the end of 2018.

The state’s current cameras are more than 20 years old, are limited to detecting speeding vehicles travelling in one lane and in one direction, and are restricted to areas where camera cars can safely park on the side of the road.

The new cameras will be more effective in catching speeding motorcycles that dodge today’s cameras because they do not have front-mounted licence plates.

Wells is also investigating cameras fitted with infrared technology, which would allow them to detect speeding motorists at night.

“Technology in this area is advancing rapidly and we will explore all options to make Victoria’s road safety camera network as strong as it can be,” Wells said.

“We know speed cameras save lives and make Victorian roads safer. This new technology will send a strong message to all road users: take your time, it's cheaper than a fine.”

Wells said the expansion of Victoria’s speed camera system was a key part of Victoria’s 10-year Road Safety Strategy, which is intended to ensure the safety of the state’s roads for its users.

Victoria Police issued more than one million speeding fines to motorists captured by fixed and mobile speed cameras in 2013.