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The great camera mystery: Why Australian drivers are more confused than ever about what's watching them

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The great camera mystery: Why Australian drivers are more confused than ever about what's watching them

Screenshot 2025-10-17 at 00.32.48.png The great camera mystery: Why Australian drivers are more confused than ever about what's watching them
Australia is experiencing the most significant expansion of road monitoring technology in the country's history, with new camera types popping up faster than most drivers can identify them. Image source: Erik Mclean / Unsplash.

That cluster of small cameras perched above traffic lights in Melbourne's Yarraville has sparked quite the conversation among drivers, and frankly, their confusion is entirely justified.



Australia is currently experiencing the most significant expansion of road monitoring technology in the country's history, with new camera types popping up faster than most drivers can identify them.





The mysterious devices on Williamstown Road near O'Farrell Street that caught drivers' attention last week are just the tip of the iceberg. All Australian states will use AI-equipped enforcement cameras to detect violations like vaping, eating, or using devices while driving, with many of these systems having become operational just last month.



What are those Melbourne cameras actually doing?



'Just wondering if anyone knows what these new cameras are for? I have seen a few of them pop up lately,' asked one curious driver on social media, posting photos of the peculiar-looking cluster watching traffic flow in both directions.



The speculation was immediate and varied. 'They are for detecting trucks in suburban streets,' suggested one commenter, while others theorised they might be 'looking for drivers with phones.'



A Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson clarified that these particular devices are actually 'traffic cameras' - monitoring traffic flow, congestion and roadworks rather than catching violations. 'We are constantly monitoring our roads and looking at ways we can improve safety,' they explained.




'We are constantly monitoring our roads and looking at ways we can improve safety'

Victorian Department of Transport and Planning



But here's where it gets interesting for drivers trying to keep track: AI-powered detection systems and smart cameras are now deployed nationally, automatically enforcing phone usage, seatbelt compliance, and speeding.




Australia's 2025 camera revolution



The confusion isn't just about individual cameras anymore. Australia's traffic rules in 2025 are tougher than ever, with authorities introducing new technology that scans for a wide range of dangerous and illegal driving behaviours.



What's particularly noteworthy is the sophistication of these new systems. Some cameras are being trialed with artificial intelligence that identifies aggressive behaviour such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes. This represents a significant shift from traditional speed cameras to comprehensive behaviour monitoring.









The penalty landscape has changed dramatically



If you haven't been keeping up with the latest changes, brace yourself. Offences will attract automatic fines up to $3,300 and six demerit points, with penalties ranging from $300 to over $1000 depending on the state and the offence.



These aren't just proposals—the cameras became operational from 25 October 2025, meaning the new enforcement regime is already in full swing across the country.




New camera capabilities in 2025


AI cameras can monitor drivers and detect phone use while driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations, as well as eating, drinking, and vaping while driving.


Some systems can even identify aggressive driving patterns like tailgating and unsafe lane changes.




What different cameras actually do



Understanding the distinction between monitoring and enforcement cameras is crucial, especially as technology becomes more sophisticated.









Traffic monitoring cameras, like those spotted in Yarraville, collect data about traffic patterns, congestion levels, and road usage. Victoria operates over 1,600 cameras across the state, allowing traffic control centres to manage flow and respond to incidents in real time.



Enforcement cameras, on the other hand, are designed to catch violations and issue penalties. NSW is rolling out average speed cameras for light vehicles, traditionally used for monitoring heavy vehicles, now being extended to cars and motorcycles.



Trial cameras: Testing without penalties









Victoria is testing new trailer-mounted cameras from July 2025 to 2026 in suburbs like Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, and Caulfield South, though these will not issue fines during the trial period.



Similarly, in NSW, drivers detected speeding by new average speed cameras between May and July received warning letters rather than fines, giving drivers time to adjust.



What this means for senior drivers



The rapid expansion of camera technology presents both benefits and challenges for older drivers. On the positive side, better traffic monitoring can improve road safety and traffic flow. However, the complexity and variety of new systems can be genuinely overwhelming.









Experts advise drivers to regularly review official traffic updates, plan routes carefully, and maintain speed limits—advice that's particularly relevant given the changing enforcement landscape.




Staying informed about camera changes



  • Check your state transport department website regularly for updates

  • Be aware that trial cameras may become enforcement cameras

  • Remember that monitoring cameras don't issue fines, but enforcement cameras do

  • New AI cameras can detect multiple violations simultaneously

  • Penalties have increased significantly in 2025




Identifying camera types on the road



While it's not always possible to tell exactly what a camera does just by looking at it, there are some general indicators. Clusters of small cameras, like those in Yarraville, are typically for traffic monitoring. Larger, more prominent cameras with clear signage are usually enforcement cameras.



Sophisticated next-generation traffic cameras are being tested on state roads in independent trials, which means even experienced drivers might encounter unfamiliar setups.









The privacy conversation



While some see expanded camera monitoring as an invasion of privacy, others believe it will make Australia's roads among the safest in the world, with enforcement becoming more automated.



For many drivers, particularly those who value their privacy, the proliferation of AI-powered cameras that can identify specific behaviours raises legitimate concerns about surveillance on public roads.



Did you know?


Did you know?
Currently, 72.9 per cent of road travel occurs on 3-star roads, with Australia aiming for 80 per cent of road travel to occur on 3-star roads or better by 2030. These ratings are determined by crash records, traffic volume, and contemporary road safety standards.



Looking ahead



Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes initiatives to cut road fatalities in half by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050, which helps explain the investment in advanced monitoring technology.









The reality is that camera technology will continue evolving, and drivers will need to adapt. Traditional patrol methods aren't sufficient to keep up with the volume of vehicles on Australian roads, so authorities are expanding camera monitoring without relying solely on police officers.



What you can do



The best approach for dealing with this new reality is straightforward: drive according to the road rules, stay informed about changes in your state, and don't assume you know what every camera does based on appearance alone.



If you spot new cameras in your area, check your state transport department's website for information about current trials and new installations. Most departments now provide regular updates about where new enforcement cameras are being deployed.



What This Means For You


Have you noticed new cameras appearing in your local area? What questions do you have about the changing technology on our roads? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you about how these changes are affecting your daily driving.





  • Primary Source


    https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-c...sie-road-constantly-monitoring-210119529.html





  • New Road Motor Regulations Hit Australia Effective October 20 2025—Rules on Vaping/Drinking/Eating While Driving P Platers and family cars

    Cited text: From 20 October 2025, all Australian states will use AI-equipped enforcement cameras to detect violations like vaping, eating, or using devices while ...


    Excerpt: All Australian states will use AI-equipped enforcement cameras to detect violations like vaping, eating, or using devices while driving



    https://www.sta-bil.com.au/news/new-road-motor-regulations-hit-australia-effective-october-20/





  • Fresh October 2025 Update: Australia Publishes New Road Safety Ratings & Traffic Rules

    Cited text: AI-powered detection systems and smart cameras are now deployed nationally, instead of being restricted to certain areas of the country, These smart c...


    Excerpt: AI-powered detection systems and smart cameras are now deployed nationally, automatically enforcing phone usage, seatbelt compliance, and speeding



    https://esconstruction.com.au/new-road-safety-ratings-traffic-rules/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: Australia’s traffic rules in 2025 are tougher than ever, and a major focus now is the expansion of roadside cameras.


    Excerpt: Australia's traffic rules in 2025 are tougher than ever, with authorities introducing new technology that scans for a wide range of dangerous and illegal driving behaviours



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: Authorities have introduced new technology that scans for a wide range of dangerous and illegal driving behaviors.


    Excerpt: Australia's traffic rules in 2025 are tougher than ever, with authorities introducing new technology that scans for a wide range of dangerous and illegal driving behaviours



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: Some cameras are also being trialed with artificial intelligence that identifies aggressive behavior such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes.


    Excerpt: Some cameras are being trialed with artificial intelligence that identifies aggressive behaviour such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/





  • New Road Motor Regulations Hit Australia Effective October 20 2025—Rules on Vaping/Drinking/Eating While Driving P Platers and family cars

    Cited text: Offences will attract automatic fines up to $3,300 and six demerit points depending on the state.


    Excerpt: Offences will attract automatic fines up to $3,300 and six demerit points, with penalties ranging from $300 to over $1000 depending on the state and the offence



    https://www.sta-bil.com.au/news/new-road-motor-regulations-hit-australia-effective-october-20/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: Each of these violations carries heavy fines in 2025, with penalties ranging from $300 to over $1000 depending on the state and the offence.


    Excerpt: Offences will attract automatic fines up to $3,300 and six demerit points, with penalties ranging from $300 to over $1000 depending on the state and the offence



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/





  • $3,300 Fine & Six Demerit Points Rule—Australia Drivers Panic as New Cameras Go Live on 25 October 2025

    Cited text: The cameras, now operational from 25 October 2025, will automatically detect speeding and traffic signal breaches.


    Excerpt: the cameras became operational from 25 October 2025



    https://sydneycameramarket.com.au/australia-fine-and-six-demerit-points-rule/





  • Fresh October 2025 Update: Australia Publishes New Road Safety Ratings & Traffic Rules

    Cited text: AI cameras are able to monitor the drivers and detect phone use while driving, speeding, and seat belt violations.


    Excerpt: AI cameras can monitor drivers and detect phone use while driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations



    https://esconstruction.com.au/new-road-safety-ratings-traffic-rules/





  • Enforcement cameras | Transport for NSW

    Cited text: Our average speed camera enforcement map (PDF, 924 KB) shows the positions of all heavy vehicle average speed lengths in NSW.


    Excerpt: Victoria operates over 1,600 cameras across the state



    https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/speeding/enforcement-cameras





  • NSW Average Speed Cameras 2025: Locations Revealed

    Cited text: New South Wales (NSW) is rolling out a significant update to its road safety enforcement by trialing average speed cameras for light vehicles. Traditi...


    Excerpt: NSW is rolling out average speed cameras for light vehicles, traditionally used for monitoring heavy vehicles, now being extended to cars and motorcycles



    https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-average-speed-cameras-2025-locations-revealed/





  • Drivers warned as new next gen traffic cameras tested on Victoria’s busy roads

    Cited text: New trailer-mounted cameras being tested from July 21 2025 to 2026 in suburbs like Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, Caulfield South, Heatherton, and...


    Excerpt: Victoria is testing new trailer-mounted cameras from July 2025 to 2026 in suburbs like Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, and Caulfield South, though these will not issue fines during the trial period



    https://pelicansnest.com.au/next-gen-traffic-cameras/





  • Drivers warned as new next gen traffic cameras tested on Victoria’s busy roads

    Cited text: The cameras will be tested on a trial basis and will not be able to issue fines.


    Excerpt: Victoria is testing new trailer-mounted cameras from July 2025 to 2026 in suburbs like Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, and Caulfield South, though these will not issue fines during the trial period



    https://pelicansnest.com.au/next-gen-traffic-cameras/





  • These NSW New Speed Cameras Start Now

    Cited text: Between May 1 and July 1, drivers detected speeding by these average speed cameras will receive warning letters rather than fines or demerit points. T...


    Excerpt: in NSW, drivers detected speeding by new average speed cameras between May and July received warning letters rather than fines, giving drivers time to adjust



    https://www.carexplore.com.au/these-nsw-new-speed-cameras-start-now/





  • $3,300 Fine & Six Demerit Points Rule—Australia Drivers Panic as New Cameras Go Live on 25 October 2025

    Cited text: Experts advise drivers to regularly review official traffic updates, plan routes carefully, and maintain speed limits.


    Excerpt: Experts advise drivers to regularly review official traffic updates, plan routes carefully, and maintain speed limits



    https://sydneycameramarket.com.au/australia-fine-and-six-demerit-points-rule/





  • Drivers warned as new next gen traffic cameras tested on Victoria’s busy roads

    Cited text: Sophisticated next-generation traffic cameras are now being tested on the state’s roads in indepdent trials, which Victoria hopes to use to enhance te...


    Excerpt: Sophisticated next-generation traffic cameras are being tested on state roads in independent trials



    https://pelicansnest.com.au/next-gen-traffic-cameras/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: While some see this as an invasion of privacy, others believe it will make Australia’s roads among the safest in the world. What is certain is that en...


    Excerpt: While some see expanded camera monitoring as an invasion of privacy, others believe it will make Australia's roads among the safest in the world, with enforcement becoming more automated



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/





  • Fresh October 2025 Update: Australia Publishes New Road Safety Ratings & Traffic Rules

    Cited text: Currently, 72.9 per cent of road travel occurs on 3-star roads. This proportion reinforces Australia’s aim that by 2030, 80 per cent of road travel will occur on 3-st...


    Excerpt: Currently, 72.9 per cent of road travel occurs on 3-star roads, with Australia aiming for 80 per cent of road travel to occur on 3-star roads or better by 2030



    https://esconstruction.com.au/new-road-safety-ratings-traffic-rules/





  • Drivers warned as new next gen traffic cameras tested on Victoria’s busy roads

    Cited text: Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes initiatives to cut road fatalities in half by 2030, and eliminate them by 2050.


    Excerpt: Victoria's Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes initiatives to cut road fatalities in half by 2030 and eliminate them by 2050



    https://pelicansnest.com.au/next-gen-traffic-cameras/





  • Australia Traffic Rules 2025: Roadside Cameras Crack Down on Drivers!—Wilson bolton mitsubishi

    Cited text: Traditional patrol methods are not enough to keep up with the volume of vehicles on Australian roads. By expanding roadside camera use, authorities ca...


    Excerpt: Traditional patrol methods aren't sufficient to keep up with the volume of vehicles on Australian roads, so authorities are expanding camera monitoring without relying solely on police officers



    https://wilsonboltonmitsubishi.com....-2025-roadside-cameras-crack-down-on-drivers/



Last edited:

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People from the eastern states always knock South Australia, but we often lead the country on many initiatives. Deposits on bottles to encourage recycling and outlawing plastic bags are just two examples. We have had these cameras for some time and more are to be added next year.
 
Camera's Camera's EVERYWHERE 🎥📸🎦.....but no time left to even SMILE or Blink. :);)
 
It will never end
 
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Reactions: Dynomite
Let's hope then that these cameras do the job properly and also book those that are under the legal speed limits that is also illegal and just as dangerous as speeding as quite often these drivers are in the right-hand lane making it difficult to overtake legally as more often than not you have to overtake them in the left lane or you keep catching up to them doing the legal speed limit and tailgating until you brake to back off again and again, thereby frustrating the drivers behind you and at times resulting in these drivers doing dangerous overtaking moves to get around these slow drivers who think they are doing the so called right and safe thing when in actual fact they aren't.
 
  • Wow
  • Haha
Reactions: Gus and Greg350
Obviously another AI-written article as it says "the cameras BECAME operational from 25 October 2025" , a date which is still 8 days ahead not in the past. Please, if you are going to try to keep us informed (& for this I thank you), do not use AI-written articles as they are unevitably incorrect.
 
People from the eastern states always knock South Australia, but we often lead the country on many initiatives.
Like bizarre multiple murders.

Ever heard of Truro or Snowtown, to name two....
 
It may not be long before our rego numbers are on the roof of vehicles as well as back and front with all these cameras around, like the numbers on police cars so they can be identified.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Gus and Dynomite
Let's hope then that these cameras do the job properly and also book those that are under the legal speed limits that is also illegal and just as dangerous as speeding as quite often these drivers are in the right-hand lane making it difficult to overtake legally as more often than not you have to overtake them in the left lane or you keep catching up to them doing the legal speed limit and tailgating until you brake to back off again and again, thereby frustrating the drivers behind you and at times resulting in these drivers doing dangerous overtaking moves to get around these slow drivers who think they are doing the so called right and safe thing when in actual fact they aren't.
Did you actually read the article, these cameras have nothing to do with enforcement, they are counting vehicles, using cameras means they can count types of vehicles as well.

Counting vehicles has been going on since I was a kid at least when they had the cables across the road.

But everyone being paranoid as they are think there's something more sinister going on.
 
  • Wow
  • Like
Reactions: Gus and PattiB
I see it as just another revenue so to fill the missing dollars they’re blown up somewhere down the track. It’s not completely about the safety. There is also too many people living in Australia now and roads are not ready for this huge impact. And there are people who didn’t a-customised with Australian rules yet after arriving from overseas. You can see it everywhere. And why blame these older citizens in every occasion… because they’re not speaking out?
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: Gus and Greg350
Did you actually read the article, these cameras have nothing to do with enforcement, they are counting vehicles, using cameras means they can count types of vehicles as well.

Counting vehicles has been going on since I was a kid at least when they had the cables across the road.

But everyone being paranoid as they are think there's something more sinister going on.
For now
 
Did you actually read the article, these cameras have nothing to do with enforcement, they are counting vehicles, using cameras means they can count types of vehicles as well.

Counting vehicles has been going on since I was a kid at least when they had the cables across the road.

But everyone being paranoid as they are think there's something more sinister going on.
Do you recall the overhead speed monitoring devices on the F6 from Sydney to Wollongong back in the 1980s? For those who were unaware at the time, they detected the speed of traffic a few hundred metres away, saying "SLOW DOWN" to those speeding.

While they didn't issue any infringement notices, all they needed was a few minor tweaks to become revenue raising machines.

I had the "distinction" of recording 227 kmh one Saturday afternoon for fun on my tricked up Kawasaki GPZ750 R1.

Any traffic detection tool can be easily modified to make them a bitumen cash register.
 
An increase in recent road deaths can be attributed to inattention.

So what do these gizmos, hanging out of the sky, cause? INATTENTION!! Causing motorists to gawk at anything and everything suspicious instead of looking at the road in front of them.

It's a bird....it's a plane....no, it's the government's new revenue raiser!!

CHING!! CHING!!
 
  • Sad
  • Like
Reactions: Gus and DLHM
Do you recall the overhead speed monitoring devices on the F6 from Sydney to Wollongong back in the 1980s? For those who were unaware at the time, they detected the speed of traffic a few hundred metres away, saying "SLOW DOWN" to those speeding.

While they didn't issue any infringement notices, all they needed was a few minor tweaks to become revenue raising machines.

I had the "distinction" of recording 227 kmh one Saturday afternoon for fun on my tricked up Kawasaki GPZ750 R1.

Any traffic detection tool can be easily modified to make them a bitumen cash register.
The overhead cameras around Gundagai used to monitor truck speeds surprise Surprise now used as average speed detectors for cars which do nothing to lower the road toll but definitely increase revenue
 
To catch people eating. drinking and vaping??? I thought I read somewhere that this was not true - we won't get fined for this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
I'm a crossing supervisor in Frankston Davy st, and I have been asking for them to put up cameras up on the school crossing for a long time, but the answer I got from the department of justice was ah well no one has been hurt, my reply was, so one of my little children have to be hurt or worse killed then you might do something, her reply was Oh don't say that, my reply was, well I'm saying it, you wait till someone gets killed then you might do something. I'm still waiting, it's a very dangerous intersection.
 
I see it as just another revenue so to fill the missing dollars they’re blown up somewhere down the track. It’s not completely about the safety. There is also too many people living in Australia now and roads are not ready for this huge impact. And there are people who didn’t a-customised with Australian rules yet after arriving from overseas. You can see it everywhere. And why blame these older citizens in every occasion… because they’re not speaking out?
OMG, another one who can't read.
The cameras are NOT enforcement cameras, they are traffic monitoring cameras, instead of pneumatic road tubes which have been used for decades. The cameras allow traffic numbers AND traffic mix, ie cars, trucks, buses, etc.
 
It may not be long before our rego numbers are on the roof of vehicles as well as back and front with all these cameras around, like the numbers on police cars so they can be identified.
Never thought of that! Sh.sh
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Gus and Veggiepatch
Someone wrote":
OMG, another one who can't read.
The cameras are NOT enforcement cameras

Yep, another one, exactly.
The article said that the tiny bunch of cameras were not enforcement BUT the bigger one were...
So now we have little bunches of cameras that don't pay their own way? There are people being employed to watch these cameras for umpteen reasons ... Like: traffic incidents, animals on expressways, all sorts of incidents impedeing the flow of traffic etc.
A strange camera appears on the freeway near Yandina Qld. Qld Transport were asked why? The answer was Just a traffic monitor, nothing to worry about. within no time at all people were getting fines for unregistered cars...The fine notice had a photo of the number plates and blow up the image and you could see little bits of the overhead bridge at Yandina.. Well, I think people in unregistered cars should be fined as they are not paying 3rd Party Insurance which is compulsory. MY POINT is the Transport Department said Don't worry it is only monitoring flow of traffic... Bloody lies .. The comment may be true but how are going to pay for all the AI techno
 
  • Wow
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Reactions: Veggiepatch and Gus

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