Mobile Speed Cameras

Purpose

As part of a range of measures to make our roads safer, the ACT Government introduced mobile speed cameras in October 1999.

Site Selection

Mobile Speed Camera sites in the Australian Capital Territory have been selected based on data related to speed-related crash history and current speed surveys. At present there are 120 sites on the ACT mobile speed camera network.

The Government has decided that all remaining arterial, major collector and minor collector roads will continue to be assessed in a staged process to identify suitable sites for mobile speed camera use. Once assessed, each suitable site (there may be more than one along the same road) is allocated a location code number, which is recorded on the image produced by the digital camera detection device.

The locations are regularly reviewed and updated, with roads and sites being added or changed to ensure that the camera program clearly addresses road safety needs.

Operational Issues

Mobile speed cameras are deployed by the Traffic Camera Office (TCO) to sites on consideration of the following factors:

• Intelligence received from AFP traffic operations.
• Road safety data on areas recording recent or frequent serious/fatal traffic crashes (particularly those involving excessive speed).
• Information or complaints from members of the community concerning speeding vehicles or the potential for crashes to occur in the area;
• Ensuring Traffic Offence Detection Devices are not operating in the same direction on the same road within a distance of one kilometre of each other.

The deployment of mobile speed cameras, based on the above methodology is determined at least one week in advance in accordance with identified priority areas. A reserve site is identified for each rostered period for use in the event of roadworks or traffic crashes at one of the sites. Deviation from the issued plan is permitted only with the express permission of the Manager of the TCO.

Mobile cameras may be operated from inside the vehicles provided for this purpose or mounted outside the vehicle on a tripod. Cameras can operate in both directions simultaneously (monitor traffic in both directions). Generally vans are used for speed camera operations. Other vehicles may be used during periods when vans are being maintained.

The cameras are capable of being operated in either automatic or manual mode. To maintain accurate records of the percentage of vehicles speeding, and for maximum operator comfort, the cameras are operated in automatic mode whenever possible.

Within each speed camera site location, several suitable camera positions are identified, usually at least one on each side of the road. Most positions enable the cameras to monitor the speeds of approaching traffic and to photograph the front numberplates of offending vehicles. Because some vehicles, such as those with trader’s plates and motorcycles, are not required to have front number plates, whenever possible, a camera will operate in both directions (both sides of the road, vehicles approaching or departing). Some positions may be specifically designated to monitor departing traffic so that the rear numberplate is photographed.

At night one or more flash units may be deployed to enhance the image taken of motorists committing an offence. These flash units can be deployed remote from the speed camera vehicle and triggered by infrared light emission.

Mobile Camera Operators

Mobile camera operators have successfully completed all components of an authorised course of instruction. Camera operators are approved by the delegate of the Chief Police Officer and carry authorised identity cards.

Certification and Testing

An approved institution extensively tests all fixed and mobile cameras annually. Certificates are produced on completion of testing.

Mobile cameras are reliant on laser beams or radar to measure the speed of vehicles and are calibrated at the commencement and cessation of a camera operator’s shift. Should a mobile camera fail calibration, all images recorded are discarded and the equipment is taken off line whilst further testing and/or repairs are conducted.

Speed Camera Signage

Large signs displaying the message "Speed and Red Light Cameras used in the ACT" are at the border on all major entry roads to the ACT. Further to this, there are some 41 signs on the major arterial roads which carry signs consisting of a “Speed Cameras used in the ACT” with a camera image. These are normally paired with a “50 unless otherwise sign posted” sign.

Mobile camera vans display portable signs displaying the posted speed limit for the road and a message "Your speed has been checked". These signs may be placed adjacent to or on the speed camera vehicle.

Speed Camera Operators are instructed to report any missing or damaged speed limit signs to the TCO, who will forward the information to Roads ACT. Should a sign be missing or damaged, operations may only continue at that site with the permission of the Manager TCO.

Locations

A full list of mobile camera sites can be downloaded here.

• Mobile Speed Camera Operations Sites ( PDF 82kb)  - Last updated 28 January 2011
• Mobile Speed Camera Operations Sites ( PDF 39kb)  - last updated 10 September 2009

FAQ and Previous Ministerial Releases:

• No recent releases