Hi-tech cameras that scan numberplates are set to be installed in service stations, shopping centres and hospitals in order to catch petrol thieves and boom-gate runners.
They are going to be installed at several locations across Victoria, in a trial led by VicRoads in an attempt to scare away ‘drive-offs’ costing retailers $20 million every year.
The trial is going to be rolled out in coming weeks and will collect detailed vehicle registration information from a central database.
Hi-tech, powerful cameras to be installed in service stations, public car parks and hospitals
This information is going to be made available to approved users in order to identify the rogue drivers, The Herald Sun reported.
Powerful, hi-tech cameras will record vehicle numberplates at hospitals, shopping centres and petrol station entrances.
Not only will they alert staff to people involved in petrol thefts, but it will also target those who attempt to sneak past the boomgate without paying for parking.
Police and retailers hope that the technology will help cut down the number of thieves across the state – if successful, other states are set to follow.
It is currently not clear as to whether the cameras are being installed to refuse service of the law-breakers, or just to monitor their activity.
The fuel industry industry is open to the trial, although it is Victoria Police and the Department of Justice and Regulation who has the job of charging offenders.
The cameras are going to target ‘drive-offs’, costing retailers $20 million a year
The technology used is similar to automatic numberplate recognition technology that police officers have on their vehicles, which give them the ability to scan thousands of numberplates in an hour.
The technology allows the police to identity drivers wanted on outstanding warrants, licence breaches and unpaid fines.
Powerful, hi-tech cameras will record vehicle numberplates at hospitals, shopping centres and petrol station entrances.
Chief Executive of Australian Associate of Convenience Stores Jeff Rogut believes that with access to the data, service station attendants could refuse service.
‘If someone is not genuine they would hop in the car and drive off,’ he said.
Although the trial is still in its early stages, VicRoads has established a group of representatives from Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Regulation, Fines Victoria, the Crime Statistics Agency and National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council.