Victoria is stepping up its road safety game by trialling next-generation traffic camera technology designed to catch dangerous drivers more effectively. The trial, managed by the Victorian Government in partnership with road safety regulators, aims to improve detection of high-risk driving behaviours such as mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, and speeding.
Cracking Down on Distracted Driving
Mobile phone use remains one of the leading causes of distraction-related crashes on Victorian roads. The new traffic camera systems being tested go beyond traditional speed enforcement. They are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and high-resolution imaging that can spot drivers using their phones behind the wheel, even in poor light conditions or at high speeds.
Authorities say the trial is not about revenue raising but about preventing crashes caused by distraction. Data from Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) shows that drivers who use their phones are four times more likely to crash. By detecting these offences automatically, police hope to make it harder for motorists to slip through undetected.
New Focus on Seatbelt Compliance
In addition to mobile phone use, the cameras are also designed to identify seatbelt offences. While seatbelts have been mandatory in Victoria for over 50 years, compliance issues persist. Victoria Police report that several fatal crashes each year involve drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts. The new cameras use advanced image analysis to pick up whether a seatbelt is properly fastened, helping tackle this ongoing issue.
Road safety experts say that enforcing seatbelt use can significantly reduce road trauma. Every year, dozens of lives could potentially be saved if every driver and passenger wore a seatbelt correctly.
Speed Monitoring Upgraded
Speeding continues to be a major contributor to road deaths in Victoria, and the new trial aims to combine traditional speed enforcement with modern detection systems. The cameras under test are capable of tracking vehicles across multiple lanes and distinguishing between light and heavy vehicles. They also feature automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), making it easier for authorities to detect repeat offenders or unregistered vehicles.
By linking this advanced infrastructure with existing enforcement networks, the government hopes to create a more effective deterrent for habitual speeders.
Pilot Program Across Key Locations
The camera trial is being rolled out across several high-risk locations in Victoria, with authorities carefully monitoring results before deciding on a wider installation. The Transport Department has confirmed that the trial will run for several months to assess accuracy, reliability, and overall impact on driver behaviour.
Residents may begin noticing temporary camera installations in certain suburban and regional areas as part of the pilot. Authorities stress that strict privacy and data-handling rules are being followed, with images only used for road safety enforcement.
A Push Towards Safer Roads
The trial comes as part of Victoria’s broader strategy to achieve its “Road to Zero” target—an ambitious goal to reduce road deaths and serious injuries. Last year, the state recorded more than 290 fatalities, and authorities believe technology will play a crucial role in addressing this figure.
The Victorian Government has invested heavily in advanced traffic enforcement tools in recent years, from point-to-point speed cameras on country roads to AI-driven mobile enforcement units. This latest trial reflects the growing reliance on technology to support police in reducing risky behaviour behind the wheel.
If successful, the next-generation camera systems could set a benchmark for other jurisdictions across Australia, moving the country closer to safer roads and fewer tragedies for families.
