New roadside cameras could catch you anytime, anywhere

You’re cruising down the road, obeying the speed limit, when something catches your eye.

It isn’t your usual speed camera—this looks like a piece of high-tech film equipment parked on the roadside.

The sight is intriguing…and a little unsettling.

American company Verra Mobility recently completed a month-long trial of ‘next-generation’ portable cameras on Victorian roads, ending on 19 September 2025.

The trial collected data without issuing fines, but the insights could influence how Australians drive for years to come.

More than Just Speed Detection

Unlike traditional cameras that only detect speeding, these trailers could monitor multiple offences simultaneously, including red light violations, bus lane misuse, mobile phone use, and seatbelt compliance, while also performing automatic number plate recognition.

Two cameras positioned several hundred metres apart tested point-to-point average speed detection, meaning slowing down just before a camera and speeding up afterwards would no longer help drivers evade detection.

The Technology Behind the Cameras

Each trailer featured CCTV, fire suppression systems, GPS tracking, advanced locks, and an onboard generator for silent operation.

The autonomous design allowed deployment without constant on-site supervision, lowering both operational costs and roadside risks.

Verra Mobility said its systems had already logged hundreds of thousands of hours worldwide and operated fixed cameras across Victoria, suggesting the trial could position the company for expanded government contracts.

Privacy Considerations

For many Australians, these cameras raised privacy concerns.

All trial data was shared with the Department of Justice and Community Safety, but how the information might be used long term remained uncertain.

Driving patterns recorded during the trial could influence future surveillance infrastructure decisions, potentially affecting drivers for years.

Financial Implications

The financial stakes were clear.

While no fines were issued during the trial, the capabilities of the cameras suggested hefty penalties could follow.

Mobile phone use while driving could cost up to $870, failing to wear a seatbelt $350, and speeding fines varied depending on severity, with repeated offences accumulating demerit points and risking licence suspension.

For seniors on fixed incomes, these penalties could significantly impact household budgets.

Effectiveness Debate

Despite the proliferation of traffic cameras and growing revenue from fines, Australia’s road toll continued to rise, raising questions about the effectiveness of more surveillance technology.

Advocates of mobile cameras argued that uncertainty alone could change behaviour, encouraging safer driving because drivers never knew where cameras might be positioned.

What This Means on the Road

For older drivers, the shift was particularly noticeable.

Roads that once relied on visible police patrols were now potentially under near-constant surveillance.

The flexibility of mobile units meant they could be deployed almost anywhere—from urban streets to rural highways—at short notice, changing the driving landscape many had known for decades.

Looking Ahead

The trial data would be shared with the Victorian Government to guide future public safety and mobility programs, indicating that these systems could soon become commonplace.

Other states were likely watching Victoria’s experience closely.

The question wasn’t whether the technology worked—it clearly did—but whether Australians were comfortable with this level of surveillance and if the benefits justified the costs and privacy concerns.

Authorities stressed that avoiding fines remained simple: stick to the rules.

For older Australians, however, the transition from occasional enforcement to continuous monitoring marked a fundamental shift in the driving experience.

The best approach was to accept that modern driving required constant compliance with road rules…your wallet and licence would thank you.

If the new mobile cameras have you thinking about how road safety is evolving, there’s another example showing just how advanced this technology can get.

A recent implementation trialled camera trailers designed to catch multiple offences at once, giving drivers a real glimpse of what ‘next-level’ enforcement looks like.

It’s a practical look at how technology is being used to influence driving behaviour and improve safety on the roads.

Read more: New technology set to revolutionise road safety: 'These things are game changers'

What are your thoughts on these surveillance cameras—are they essential for road safety or an intrusion into daily life?