'We don't know what they are monitoring': Top lawyer slams secret camera trial
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A mysterious new roadside camera has been spotted in suburban Victoria—and it's not issuing fines.
The government says it’s all part of a safety trial, but experts and motorists alike are demanding answers.
So why are authorities being so vague about what these cameras actually do?
A controversial new mobile road camera trial in Victoria sparked confusion and concern last week, as officials refused to confirm what the cameras are monitoring.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety revealed that several suburbs were now home to a ‘mobile road safety trailer camera’ as part of a state-wide data collection trial.
However, the government has not disclosed what offences—if any—these new cameras are targeting, and whether they involve any new technology.
Traffic lawyer Hayder Shkara said the lack of transparency around the trial was troubling.
‘It’s outrageous how vague the information is,’ he told shared.
‘We don't know which cameras are being used in the trial. We don't know what they are monitoring. We don't know what they are looking for.’
He said unclear surveillance practices damage public trust.
‘I’m a big believer in road safety, but this sounds like a very scary step in police monitoring,’ he added.
A spokesperson for the Department said the cameras were being tested for accuracy and effectiveness in seven suburbs, but they would not issue fines during the trial period.
The cameras were currently deployed in Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, Caulfield South, Heatherton, Healesville, and Oaklands Junction.
The department said the aim was to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads through updated technology and equipment.
‘Victoria’s road safety camera program plays a critical role in changing driver behaviour, reducing serious injuries and saving lives,’ a spokesperson said.
‘That’s why we’re continuing to explore new locations and trial new equipment across the road network, to prevent crashes and deaths on our roads.’
The department noted that all revenue from road safety cameras went directly into the Better Roads Victoria Trust, which funds road and bridge upgrades and surface improvements.
Victorians have previously raised questions about similar surveillance trailers, including one made by a company called Vitrionic.
That device was spotted beside a Melbourne road late last year, featuring a large black dome and futuristic design that baffled drivers.
According to Vitrionic’s website, its units are designed for ‘flexible traffic enforcement at accident hotspots and remote hard-to-see measuring points’.
Even the RACV admitted it had not been properly briefed on the current trial.
‘RACV supports technology-based solutions and initiatives from State Government that make our streets safer and reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,’ Head of Policy James Williams said.
‘There is clear evidence that the use of road safety cameras reduces injury crashes and improves driver behaviour.’
‘RACV has sought more information about the trial from the Victorian Government.’
‘Road enforcement activities and locations should always be based on safety outcomes, not revenue raising.’
SERCO, the private company responsible for operating traffic cameras in Victoria, had not provided comment at the time of publication.
If the idea of secretive new cameras makes you uneasy, this next story shows just how far the technology is already going.
Some of the latest AI-powered road cameras are not only tracking speed—they're catching drivers doing all sorts of shocking things behind the wheel.
It's a real-world glimpse into what these surveillance tools are already capable of, and why transparency matters more than ever.
Read more: Reckless, dangerous and downright bizarre—new AI road cameras are catching it all
Shouldn’t drivers have a right to know when—and how—they’re being watched on the roads?
The government says it’s all part of a safety trial, but experts and motorists alike are demanding answers.
So why are authorities being so vague about what these cameras actually do?
A controversial new mobile road camera trial in Victoria sparked confusion and concern last week, as officials refused to confirm what the cameras are monitoring.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety revealed that several suburbs were now home to a ‘mobile road safety trailer camera’ as part of a state-wide data collection trial.
However, the government has not disclosed what offences—if any—these new cameras are targeting, and whether they involve any new technology.
Secretive road camera trial raises transparency concerns. Image source: Pexels/Scott Webb
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.
Traffic lawyer Hayder Shkara said the lack of transparency around the trial was troubling.
‘It’s outrageous how vague the information is,’ he told shared.
‘We don't know which cameras are being used in the trial. We don't know what they are monitoring. We don't know what they are looking for.’
He said unclear surveillance practices damage public trust.
‘I’m a big believer in road safety, but this sounds like a very scary step in police monitoring,’ he added.
A spokesperson for the Department said the cameras were being tested for accuracy and effectiveness in seven suburbs, but they would not issue fines during the trial period.
The cameras were currently deployed in Tottenham, Port Melbourne, Toorak, Caulfield South, Heatherton, Healesville, and Oaklands Junction.
The department said the aim was to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads through updated technology and equipment.
‘Victoria’s road safety camera program plays a critical role in changing driver behaviour, reducing serious injuries and saving lives,’ a spokesperson said.
‘That’s why we’re continuing to explore new locations and trial new equipment across the road network, to prevent crashes and deaths on our roads.’
The department noted that all revenue from road safety cameras went directly into the Better Roads Victoria Trust, which funds road and bridge upgrades and surface improvements.
Victorians have previously raised questions about similar surveillance trailers, including one made by a company called Vitrionic.
That device was spotted beside a Melbourne road late last year, featuring a large black dome and futuristic design that baffled drivers.
According to Vitrionic’s website, its units are designed for ‘flexible traffic enforcement at accident hotspots and remote hard-to-see measuring points’.
Even the RACV admitted it had not been properly briefed on the current trial.
‘RACV supports technology-based solutions and initiatives from State Government that make our streets safer and reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads,’ Head of Policy James Williams said.
‘There is clear evidence that the use of road safety cameras reduces injury crashes and improves driver behaviour.’
‘RACV has sought more information about the trial from the Victorian Government.’
‘Road enforcement activities and locations should always be based on safety outcomes, not revenue raising.’
SERCO, the private company responsible for operating traffic cameras in Victoria, had not provided comment at the time of publication.
If the idea of secretive new cameras makes you uneasy, this next story shows just how far the technology is already going.
Some of the latest AI-powered road cameras are not only tracking speed—they're catching drivers doing all sorts of shocking things behind the wheel.
It's a real-world glimpse into what these surveillance tools are already capable of, and why transparency matters more than ever.
Read more: Reckless, dangerous and downright bizarre—new AI road cameras are catching it all
Shouldn’t drivers have a right to know when—and how—they’re being watched on the roads?
