Victoria Police To Install New ‘Stalker’ Speed Camera Technology In Patrol Cars

THE VICTORIAN POLICE force will install 200 new upgraded Moving Mode Radar cameras in the state's police cars in November, joining 150 units already in use in regional areas.

Named 'Stalkers', the cameras can lock on and detect the speed of vehicles travelling towards and away from the police car, from distances of up to one kilometre away.

Currently, the cameras are used primarily on open country roads, but the new upgraded systems will be used to target speeding drivers in metropolitan areas.

“Some people think it’s safe to speed and only slow down at the locations they regularly see police parked and using radar equipment,” Traffic Support Division Superintendent David Newton said.

“MMR equipment will surprise those drivers. Those motorists will not be booked by vehicles parked on the side of the road, but by police driving in front and behind them.”

The State Government has funded the purchase of the new equipment.

Police expect that more than 350 vehicles will be fitted with the MMR Stalker cameras by the end of 2010.

Areas already monitored by Stalker cameras  are: Ballarat, Wyndham, Melton, Horsham, Colac, Stawell, Whittlesea, Sunbury, Romsey, Kyneton, Castlemaine, Numurkah, Tatura, Red Cliffs, Benalla, Wodonga, Bunyip, Drouin, Korumburra, Leongatha, Yarram, Mallacoota and Rosedale.

In September, Victoria recorded a new record low monthly road toll of 13 deaths, besting the previous lowest toll by four. Victoria Police Minister Bob Cameron said the use of speed cameras contributed to the new record.

“While Victoria is achieving record low road tolls any life lost on our roads is too many, and the Brumby Labor Government will continue to work with Victoria Police and road safety authorities to help save lives," Mr Cameron said.