As of July 1, drivers caught by Victoria’s state-of-the-art mobile device and seatbelt detection cameras, which commenced operation in April this year, will face hefty fines of up to $577. The Victorian Government conducted trials of these advanced road safety cameras, which recorded 7,160 offenses between April and May. The violations included 3,523 drivers and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts, as well as 2,870 drivers using mobile phones.
The cameras utilize AI technology to capture high-resolution images of vehicles and identify offenses. During a three-month grace period, drivers caught breaking the rules were issued advisory letters. However, with the grace period now expired, drivers will be penalized with four demerit points and a $577 fine for using a mobile phone while driving. Additionally, drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts will face three demerit points and a $385 fine.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines emphasized the importance of addressing driver distraction, which is a significant contributor to serious and fatal collisions. The deployment of these cameras throughout the state aims to catch drivers who are either unbuckled or distracted by their phones.
Currently, there are four camera trailer systems operational, enforcing road safety measures for more than 8,000 hours each month. These cameras can be deployed at up to 200 locations across rural and metropolitan areas. Two additional camera trailer systems will be introduced in the coming months.
The Victorian Government has invested $33.7 million in the development of these cameras as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. Furthermore, an additional $49.4 million has been allocated to 35 new Fixed Digital Road Safety Cameras and two new Point-to-Point networks.
The next phase of camera enforcement will commence on July 11, 2023, with two new cameras operating in Coolaroo and Narre Warren. The implementation of the remaining road safety cameras will follow a phased approach, with 20 intersection sites scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The entire program is expected to be finalized by 2026.
In addition to these measures, the upgrade of road safety camera sites along the Hume Freeway is underway. This includes improvements to ten existing sites and the installation of additional cameras at four new locations, extending the existing Hume Freeway point-to-point network from Broadford to Euroa.