Video shows major change on Aussie road as millions monitored by new AI cameras

Yahoo

09-04-2025

New footage has revealed the impressive impact of AI-powered road cameras in the country's south, with authorities boasting the "smart" technology is already making roads safer by adjusting traffic lights in real time to keep cars flowing.
The South Australian government announced over the weekend a fresh batch of AI cameras will soon be rolled out in known congestion hotspots, in a bid to prevent long queues and reduce rear-end collisions by "adjusting traffic signals in real time".
This, the government says, creates safe gaps for cars to exit without vehicles being backed up, saving drivers "time and stress".
Footage of AI cameras previously rolled out in the state last year shows how they're able to detect when traffic is becoming congested, triggering green lights to keep traffic moving.
One camera will go on the highway at the northern suburb of Penfield, and another will be placed at the major bus station, Paradise Interchange, in the northeast suburbs. Another two will go on the highway at the far-southern suburb of Old Noarlunga.
The SA government believes every 5,000 motorists stuck in traffic for 20 minutes costs the state economy $33,000. The new trial of four new cameras will cost $350,000.
AI-enabled cameras are increasingly being adopted across Australia, with different states leveraging the technology in unique ways to improve road safety, infrastructure management, and environmental protection.
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In NSW, councils are using AI-integrated dashcams to automatically detect road defects such as potholes, damaged signage and worn line markings. This streamlines repair work and allows councils to respond to hazards more efficiently. Meanwhile, in Sydney's southwest, AI cameras are being trialled to detect koalas near roads, in hopes of alerting drivers in real time to prevent wildlife collisions.
Transport for NSW has also rolled out world-first technology, installing a number of machine learning traffic counting and classifying cameras to analyse freight vehicles to help in assisting supply chain decisions that reduce congestion and lead to enhanced productivity.
In Victoria, AI is used in mobile phones and seatbelt detection cameras. These systems can scan thousands of vehicles per hour and automatically identify offences, freeing up resources and increasing detection rates.
Queensland has also trialled AI in traffic monitoring and predictive maintenance systems. AI sensors in Brisbane have been used to analyse traffic patterns and help city planners make data-driven decisions for future upgrades.
South Australian Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the new trial will positively impact motorists across the state in a number of ways.
"They'll save time and money in terms of infrastructure, time and money in terms of being stuck in traffic, freight getting to where it's needed to go faster and more efficiently, and public transport moving more quickly," Mr Koutsantonis said. "The traffic management system using AI can cost as little as $8,000 at an intersection if the infrastructure is already in place without having to put in new infrastructure."
The government will look to add more cameras if the trial is successful, with Koutsantonis describing the technology as a "powerful piece of equipment to improve our traffic network".
with NCA Newswire
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