Australian motorists are already familiar with a variety of traffic enforcement tools, including fixed and mobile speed cameras, red light cameras, and even mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in some states. Now, a new player is entering the scene: smart enforcement traffic cameras. In a bid to enhance road safety, the Victorian Government has begun trialling this advanced technology in Melbourne.
Verra Mobility, a company recognized globally for its innovations in smart transportation, announced the launch of an independent trial to test its new trailer-based, all-in-one camera technology. This system is designed to detect not only vehicle speed but also red light, bus lane, seatbelt, and mobile phone violations. The trial began with the deployment of two relocatable trailers along Canterbury Road in Albert Park.
Advanced Technology for Comprehensive Monitoring
Unlike the existing trailer-based “road safety cameras” that focus solely on point-in-time speed monitoring, Verra’s next-generation cameras are equipped with number plate recognition and average speed detection when two units are used in tandem. This capability allows for a more comprehensive approach to traffic monitoring.
The trial, set to last four weeks, is a “non-enforcement technical trial” aimed at collecting data to be shared with the Victorian Government. This data will inform future public safety and mobility programs. According to Steven Crutchfield, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Verra Mobility, “These systems are ultimately built to reduce risk, improve road safety, and make people more vigilant – especially in high-risk locations like school areas and work zones.”
Safety and Efficiency: The Core of Verra’s Innovation
One of the key advantages of Verra’s automated trailer-based cameras is their ability to be deployed without the need for on-site operators. This not only reduces operational costs but also minimizes roadside risks. “Any roadside deployment involving personnel exposes the operator to significant risk. Our automated trailer-based systems greatly reduce that risk while helping governments across Australia ensure the safety of road-users, pedestrians, and workers,” Crutchfield emphasized.
These cameras are not just about enforcement; they incorporate a range of technologies including CCTV, fire suppression systems, GPS tracking, advanced locking mechanisms, and an onboard generator for silent operation. The Melbourne trial will focus on the calibration and validation of this equipment, which Verra describes as “an essential step for generating the insights needed for future deployments across Victoria.”
Flexibility and Psychological Impact on Drivers
One of the unique aspects of the trailer-based systems is their flexibility. Unlike fixed enforcement cameras, these systems can be deployed virtually anywhere, from urban streets to rural highways and high-risk zones, and moved at short notice. This unpredictability is intended to have a psychological effect on drivers. “Uncertainty changes behaviour. When drivers understand that speed limits could be enforced anywhere at any time, they are far more likely to slow down – not just at camera locations, but across their entire journey,” Crutchfield explained.
Verra reports that over 9000 of its camera systems have logged hundreds of thousands of hours worldwide, assisting governments in achieving their safety goals by targeting dangerous driving anywhere, anytime. However, despite the proliferation of traffic cameras in Australia and the substantial revenue they generate, the nation’s road toll continues to rise.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Road Safety
The introduction of smart enforcement traffic cameras represents a significant step forward in road safety technology. By providing a more comprehensive and flexible monitoring system, these cameras have the potential to significantly impact driver behavior and reduce road accidents. The data collected during the Melbourne trial will be crucial in shaping future road safety strategies in Victoria and potentially across Australia.
As the trial progresses, stakeholders and the public alike will be watching closely to see how this technology can be integrated into existing traffic enforcement frameworks to create safer roads for everyone. The results of this trial could pave the way for broader implementation, offering a glimpse into the future of traffic management and road safety.
