The final camera in a rollout of 35 new road safety units across Victoria has gone live, marking the completion of a $49.4 million initiative by the Allan Labor Government aimed at curbing road trauma and catching unsafe drivers.
Positioned at the busy intersection of Dandenong and Clayton Roads in Clayton, the newly activated red-light and speed camera will begin issuing fines over the weekend. Authorities hope its presence, like others in the network, will serve as a deterrent to drivers who treat speed limits and red lights as optional.
Evidence suggests this approach is working. According to the Monash University Accident Research Centre, locations fitted with speed and red-light cameras have seen crashes drop by 47 per cent. It’s a reminder that the presence of enforcement technology does more than raise revenue—it reduces harm.
Speed remains one of the leading causes of road deaths in the state. Victoria records around 100 fatalities and 2,000 serious injuries each year directly linked to excessive speed. The statistics are unforgiving: even a 3km/h increase over the speed limit raises the likelihood of a crash by 25 per cent. Travelling at 65km/h in a 60 zone effectively doubles the risk.
All funds generated by road safety camera fines are directed to the Better Roads Victoria Trust, which invests in infrastructure upkeep—road resurfacing, bridge maintenance, and other projects designed to support safety and access.
Over the next four years, the Victorian Government plans to invest $1.1 billion under its second Road Safety Action Plan. The package includes $350 million for initiatives targeting unsafe driving behaviour, such as the expansion of the Distracted Driving and Seatbelt Camera Program into high-risk areas.
Minister for Police Anthony Carbines made the case plainly: “Road safety cameras have proven to be one of the most effective ways to get motorists to slow down and ultimately reduce serious injuries and save lives.”
Carbines stressed that “it only takes one moment of distraction to turn into tragedy—we need people to heed the advice or they’ll risk their life.”
Minister for Road Safety Melissa Horne echoed the message, saying, “Drivers have a responsibility of not just keeping themselves and others in their car safe, but everyone else using the road too. Every life lost on our roads is avoidable—I urge Victorians to do the right thing.”
Tracey Slatter, CEO of the Transport Accident Commission, added that enforcement needs to be supported by public understanding: “Road safety cameras, supported with public education, play a critical role in preventing illegal and dangerous driving on our roads.”
The message from government is clear—while education and awareness are part of the strategy, deterrence through consistent enforcement remains central. With the new camera network now fully operational, Victoria’s drivers will be navigating a sharper eye on the road—and one with little tolerance for carelessness.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
