A man was spotted on the Princes Highway in Melbourne’s southwest standing beside the road with a high-visibility vest and a handwritten sign reading “Beware Camera.” His aim? To warn passing drivers of a nearby speed camera.
Dylan Anderson
Social Media Applauds and Criticises
Photos of the man’s roadside vigil quickly circulated online, sparking a mix of reactions. While some users praised the man as a “legend” and a “good citizen,” others questioned whether he was interfering with public safety and wasting his time.
Speed Camera Laws Differ by State
In Victoria, there are currently no laws that prohibit individuals from warning other drivers of speed cameras. His actions were technically legal. Police themselves have even publicly announced camera locations during industrial disputes in the past.
A Long History of DIY Warnings
This isn’t the first time Aussies have taken speed enforcement into their own hands. Similar cases have occurred across NSW, including a 17-year-old who mounted a speed camera warning sign to his dirt bike on the Central Coast, and a roadside sign on a chair near Sydney in 2021.
Dylan Anderson
Transparency in NSW
Unlike Victoria, New South Wales mandates warning signs for mobile speed cameras, making its enforcement system one of the most transparent in the world. Despite this, the move has faced backlash from some road safety advocates who argue it reduces the deterrent effect of mobile enforcement.
A Divided Public
The latest roadside protest reflects a broader divide in public opinion about speed enforcement in Australia. While many support transparency and prior warnings, others believe such actions could undermine road safety efforts.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. For official legal advice or road safety regulations, refer to the relevant state transport authority.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
