Details of new Aussie road camera trial finally revealed

A mobile camera trailer spotted on a Melbourne road in 2020. Source: Car Explore

Improving safety and reducing deaths is a top priority for road authorities nationwide. But despite ambitious goals to reduce the road death toll to zero by 2050, data from the last 12 months reveals road deaths have reached a 15-year high. 

As authorities try new tactics and technology to deter dangerous drivers, a recent announcement to trial new mobile road safety cameras in Victoria sparked confusion among drivers. The Department of Justice and Community Safety did not reveal what was new about the technology, or what traffic offences were being monitored. 

A leading traffic lawyer described the information as "vague", saying it's a "problem for transparency and trust". RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria) told Yahoo News it was seeking more information about the trial. 

Now, Serco, the company that operates and maintains traffic cameras in Victoria, has revealed new details about exactly what is on trial. 

A spokesperson told Yahoo News the trial, which began in selected Victorian suburbs on July 21, actually involves the trailers which carry the cameras. 

A new road camera trial in Victoria has raised eyebrows after one important detail was left out of the announcement. Source: Getty

The spokesperson told Yahoo News that mobile safety cameras "play an important role" in road safety in Victoria. Their main role is to promote and enforce safe driving behaviours that save lives on roads, she explained. 

"Serco’s trusted partnership with the Victorian Government means we are continuously looking at improvements and innovation that enable us to deliver an exceptional service.

"As part of this commitment, we are trialling new trailers for Road Safety Cameras," she said.

The trial, which began on July 21, will carry on through to 2025 in select Victorian locations which are already used by current road safety camera operations. 

"The trial is exploring the use of trailers, utilising existing Road Safety Camera technology. No trailer camera fines will be issued as part of the trial," she said.

"We are committed to continuing to work closely with the Victorian Government to help keep all road users safe." 

After the trial, the department may consider integrating them into the mobile camera program and used for enforcement purposes.

“Victoria’s road safety camera program plays a critical role in changing driver behaviour, reducing serious injuries and saving lives," the spokesperson said last week.

“That’s why we’re continuing to explore new locations and trial new equipment across the road network, to prevent crashes and deaths on our roads.”

“Every dollar received from road safety cameras goes to the Better Roads Victoria Trust, where it is spent on road restoration, road surface replacement, bridge strengthening and other road safety infrastructure improvements.”

On its website, the department states that it regularly trials new technology, and drivers may notice some trials, while others will go unnoticed because they are simply software changes on existing cameras.

The trailers will be present in the following suburbs: 

  • Tottenham

  • Port Melbourne

  • Toorak

  • Caulfield South

  • Heatherton

  • Healesville

  • Oaklands Junction

During the trial, the cameras will not issue fines, but police will continue patrolling and enforce dangerous and risky road user behaviours.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo News Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/details-of-new-aussie-road-camera-trial-finally-revealed-030536937.html

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