- Minister for Public Transport
The Andrews Labor Government has upgrade Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at almost every Melbourne train station, providing clearer images and making it easier to retrieve footage and catch offenders.
Since 2016, more than 2,300 digital cameras have been installed across 185 metropolitan stations. The new cameras have replaced ageing and grainy analogue technology with more defined vision that can be easily accessed on short notice.
From now, all Melbourne stations - except those being upgraded as part of the Level Crossing Removal program - will be armed with the new cameras, which deliver improved resolution, widescreen views that capture a greater area, and forensic zooming.
The same cameras will be installed at the upgraded Level Crossing Removal stations once works are complete.
Clearer CCTV cameras will allow Victoria Police to analyse footage of potentially illegal behaviour, as well as deterring would-be criminals from committing illegal and dangerous acts in the first place.
Research conducted by Victoria Police late last year revealed that offenders are less likely to act under the watchful eye of CCTV, and if an offence did occur the victims felt they would have evidence if CCTV in place.
The research also showed there was a perception among women that the quality of footage captured would not lead to the offender being caught, while other train users said they took notice of camera placement and felt safer when cameras were visible.
The new cameras are more than double the resolution of the older cameras, feature improved low-light capabilities - meaning incidents in darker areas will be better captured - and contain remote auto back focusing, which allows cameras to be re-focused offsite.
In addition to the upgraded cameras, Protective Services Officers (PSO) are also located at all 212 metropolitan train stations in Melbourne and four regional train stations across Victoria. PSOs are also present at transport hubs, tram super stops, and on trams and trains.
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
"The overwhelming majority of the 590 million journeys taken on Victoria's public transport network each year occur without an issue - this technology will help us further reduce incidents happening."
"We all have the right to be and feel safe at train stations and on public transport - these upgrades will provide clearer vision to deter potential offenders, ultimately creating a safer train network for everyone."
"Public Transport Victoria work hand-in-hand with Victoria Police to help reduce incidents, identify offenders and make passengers aware of the many safety features across the network."
