New mobile camera set to be deployed across Victoria
New mobile speed cameras that can scan six lanes of traffic and nab multiple motorists are about to be unleashed on Victorian motorists — and police are warning lead-foot drivers not to expect any leniency.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Super speed cameras which can scan six lanes of traffic in either direction and nab multiple motorists at the same time, in the same shot, will be unleashed on Wednesday.
The new mobile cameras are part of a 75 per cent expansion of Victoria’s speed monitoring network, coming into operation on Wednesday with no grace period for lead-foot motorists.
Radar-tracking technology will measure a vehicle’s speed in intervals and is unaffected by interference from trams, street signs, steel obstructions and median strips.
Police can deploy the cameras along suburban streets, rat-runs and tram lines as well as busy main roads.
Police hope they will help reduce carnage following a horror year on the state’s roads.
Police Minister Lisa Neville told the Herald Sun: “We’re still seeing far too many people who think speeding won’t hurt anyone – and it’s costing too many lives.’’
“These cameras will help save lives and the message is clear – if you speed on our roads you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“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.”
Ten new cameras, which can also operate near metal fencing and roofing, are being turned on with more to follow in the next year.
They can operate day and night, detect speeds of up to 350km/h and produce high-quality images of vehicles.
Victoria Police figures show speed is a factor in around a third of the road deaths.
The next generation cameras have already been tested as part of a $120 million State Government program.
It’s hoped the cameras will deter speedsters, as part of an “anywhere at any time” strategy aimed at saving lives.
There are now around 2000 sites where mobile speed cameras can be set up.
MORE NEWS:
HIRD’S DAD SAVAGES ESSENDON OVER LIFE MEMBERSHIP
VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN MASSIVE MORDIALLOC BEACH BRAWL
WHO WILL REPLACE DENNIS WALTER?
Monash University Accident Research Centre estimated the massive increase in mobile cameras could prevent up to 60 deaths and 260 serious injuries.
Victoria has endured a horror year on the roads with 252 people killed since January compared with 199 at the same time last year.
The State Government is also considering introducing cameras which detect drivers using their mobile phone behind the wheel.
The Herald Sun understands the success of a NSW trial of the cameras has spurred authorities to look into bringing them to Victoria.
The attitude of motorists towards phone detection cameras has already been canvassed as part of a survey for Victoria’s new road safety strategy.