The Victorian government has quietly announced a new trial of acoustic cameras aimed specifically at “anti-social” drivers.
The cameras are equipped with a microphone and are triggered when loud vehicles pass by. This follows a similar recent trial in New South Wales which claimed all recorded events were related to aggressive acceleration.
It is understood seven of the devices will be deployed at four locations across Melbourne “to crack down on hoon drivers because we are fed up with them,” local MP Steve Dimopoulos said in a social media post.
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Although exact details have not yet been announced, Yarra Boulevard – a popular winding road with elevated views of the Yarra River, bushland and the city – is believed to be one of the targeted areas following persistent complaints from residents.
Last month, councilor and former Boroondara mayor Sophia Torney told the story ABC Melbourne Radio said $5 million worth of upgrades to reduce speeds and increase safety along Yarra Boulevard had been ineffective against hoons.
Cr Torney called for the remaining $7 million in federal funding to be redirected to other measures such as noise cameras, road closures and “calming measures” – adding the council wanted the government to “act now before there is another death on this stretch of road”.
According to Transport Victoria, there were three fatalities along Yarra Boulevard in the decade to January 2024. Daily Sparkz has not been able to find any reports of road deaths related to hoons’ behavior since installing the upgrades.
The City of Port Phillip is also expected to be involved in the process after the mayor of the city council suggested it.
“Council has been advocating for anti-hoon measures since 2022 as our residents should not feel frightened and sleep-deprived by this dangerous behavior,” Port Phillip Mayor Alex Making said recently after hundreds of residents complained about hoon behavior.
MORE: Hoon noise camera trial ends, but more could emerge soon




