July 28, 2025

Victoria is launching a trial of new mobile road safety cameras in several suburbs, part of its 2021-2030 Road Safety Strategy aimed at halving road deaths by 2030 and eliminating them entirely by 2050. The trial is taking place in seven suburbs: Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, Caulfield South, Heatherton, Healesville, and Oaklands Junction, running from July 21, 2025, through 2026. The new trailer-mounted cameras will be used during this period to collect data on traffic patterns and safety, although officials have not clarified what specific traffic offences these cameras are monitoring. Importantly, during the trial, no fines will be issued to motorists, a fact confirmed by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS). The decision to gather data without penalties has raised eyebrows among traffic experts and the public, with many eager for transparency regarding the initiative's actual goals. James Williams, Head of Policy at the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), expressed concerns regarding the ambiguity of the trial. While RACV supports tech-driven safety initiatives, Williams emphasized that enforcement should prioritize safety outcomes over generating revenue. Spokespeople from DJCS stated that this trial's intention is to ensure the cameras are accurate, safe, and operationally effective before being widely implemented. Updates to this technology may happen concurrently with testing, with some features possibly integrating through software advancements rather than physical installations. In past months, a futuristic-looking camera device known as the Vitrionic 'enforcement trailer' caused some confusion among drivers when spotted on Melbourne roads, intended for flexible enforcement in high-risk areas. The introduction of the new camera technology aligns with Victoria’s broader vision for enhancing road safety, with any revenue derived from traffic fines being allocated to the Better Roads Victoria Trust. This trust funds various infrastructure projects related to road safety. As Victoria continues to innovate on its road safety measures, residents remain hopeful that clarity will prevail in understanding the purpose and effectiveness of these new cameras as the trial progresses.

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Road safety, Victoria, Traffic cameras, Racv, Community safety,