New High-Tech Cameras To Target Speeding And Phone Use Across Victoria

The Victorian Government is rolling out a major expansion of road safety camera technology as part of a $28.3 million investment aimed at reducing dangerous driving across the state.

Announced to coincide with National Road Safety Week, the funding package - backed by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) - will introduce five new enforcement initiatives designed to target speeding, driver distraction and seatbelt offences.

The package includes upgrades to existing road safety cameras along the Western Ring Road and Eastlink, as well as the development of Victoria's first all-in-one road safety camera capable of detecting speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt violations from a single unit.

The investment will also deliver new mobile road safety trailer technology, allowing authorities to carry out longer and more flexible enforcement operations on high-risk roads throughout Victoria.

In addition, the Government will introduce a new Automated Enforcement Plan to expand the use of advanced enforcement technology statewide.

The new measures are intended to strengthen enforcement against some of the state's most persistent causes of road trauma, including distracted driving and failure to wear seatbelts.

As part of National Road Safety Week, landmarks across Victoria are being illuminated in yellow to raise awareness about road safety. Sites participating in the campaign include Melbourne Town Hall, the Bolte Bridge, the CityLink Sound Tube, Box Hill Town Hall, 101 Collins Street and Geelong's GHMBA Stadium.

This year's campaign places a strong focus on driver distraction and the importance of remaining attentive behind the wheel.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ros Spence said speeding, distraction and failing to wear a seatbelt continued to endanger lives on Victorian roads.

"This investment delivers stronger enforcement technology to help target dangerous driving behaviour and improve safety," Ms Spence said.

Minister for Police and Community Safety Anthony Carbines said the new technology would assist Victoria Police in identifying high-risk driving behaviour and improving road safety outcomes.

Transport Accident Commission CEO Tracey Slatter said road trauma had devastating and lasting impacts on families and communities.

"This National Road Safety Week, our investment in new road safety technology reinforces the message that staying focused and making safe decisions can prevent tragedies on our roads," Ms Slatter said.