Fixed speed cameras are digital road safety cameras permanently installed at specific locations to detect speeding vehicles. Some fixed speed cameras at intersections can also detect vehicles that run red lights.
Warning signs are installed ahead of these locations to alert drivers to upcoming camera enforcement and encourage compliance with road rules and posted speed limits.
To learn more about fixed speed cameras and how they help make Victoria’s roads safer for everyone, watch the video below.
How fixed speed cameras work
Fixed speed cameras measure how fast a vehicle is going and can:
- capture an image or images of speeding offences
- differentiate between vehicles on a multi-lane road
- electronically store encrypted images and offence information
- use independent secondary speed verification(opens in a new window) technology to verify speed offences
- use other traffic data, such as variable speed limits, to detect offences.
Fixed digital road safety camera technology
Different types of technology are used in different locations and different systems.
In-road sensors
Some cameras use sensors in the road to detect and measure a vehicle’s speed over a set distance.
There are 3 main types of in-road sensors:
- Piezos: These sensors use the energy from a vehicle’s tyres to detect movement.
- Inductive loops: These sensors are loops of wire in the road that generate an electromagnetic field that detects the metal from a vehicle passing over the sensors.
- Transmissive Infrared Traffic Loggers (TIRTLs): These non-invasive sensors are installed beside the road. They use infrared beams to detect and track vehicles as they pass, enabling the vehicle’s speed to be measured. TIRTLs are only used as a secondary speed verification solution and not as a primary detection device.
Radar technology
Some cameras use radar technology to detect and measure the speed of a vehicle. The camera sends out a radar signal that bounces off the vehicle and comes back to the camera which is then used to help measure the vehicle’s speed.
Number plate reading
Some road safety camera systems use computer vision software to read number plates. This is mainly used in point-to-point average speed road safety camera systems to measure the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between two camera locations.
Camera accuracy
Road safety cameras are tested regularly to make sure they work accurately and safely. Independent officers check that:
- the cameras detect offences correctly, including checking speed
- other equipment works as it should.
Learn more about camera testing and accuracy(opens in a new window).
When a vehicle is detected speeding
The camera records:
- an image or images of the offending vehicle
- the date, time, lane and location of the offence
- the speed of the offending vehicle.
Victoria Police review
Each time a road safety camera detects a potential offence, it is thoroughly checked. A fine is only issued if Victoria Police is satisfied that an offence has occurred.
Penalties
If you are caught speeding by a fixed digital road safety camera, you may receive:
- a fine
- demerit points
- a licence suspension.
Read more about road safety camera fines and penalties(opens in a new window).
Camera locations
To see where fixed digital road safety cameras are located in Victoria, visit Find a road safety camera(opens in a new window).
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