Axis enhancing Victoria's Safe City Camera networks

Axis Communications has partnered with the cities of Melbourne and Geelong to supply integrated security solutions that will help citizens feel safer in public places through enhanced crime prevention, deterrence and response.

Over 300 CCTV cameras have been upgraded to Axis’s PTZ cameras across the two cities, delivering automatic detection between vehicles and pedestrians, and providing council with insights into traffic flow and patterns.

“The data and insight that our technology provides is critical in the proper planning and management of public spaces and transport,” said Johnny Lee, Business Development Manager, Transportation and Smart Cities, Axis Communications ANZ.

“Our technology was originally planned to boost security around club and nightlife precincts, but both cities are increasingly utilised to understand how their respective cities are changing,” he said.

Axis was able to meet the needs for a network of security solutions that would not only help to reduce crime and vandalism towards key infrastructure, but also support additional smart city initiatives such as traffic management and urban mobility.

As experienced across cities across the world, the ongoing impact of the pandemic has changed the number of drivers on the road and travel behaviours associated with public transport.

As a result of the Axis implementation, the first ever dedicated Congestion Management Team was established to respond in real time to bottlenecks, incidents and breakdowns. The Victorian Government has also made an unprecedented investment in congestion-busting technology, including 700 extra traffic monitoring cameras and almost 200 wireless traffic sensors to help monitor and ease traffic congestion in cities like Melbourne.

“As we return to post-COVID normality we begin to see an increase in the use of roads and public transportation” Lee said. “A key to delivering an efficiently flowing city is to understand how it operates — from the flow of vehicles and pedestrians through to effects of events on transport infrastructure such as parking and public transport. Data analytics and automation allow for transport operators and city councils to make informed decisions and plan for the future,” Lee said.

Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the upgrades to the network have improved public safety and transport planning in Greater Geelong.

“This type of smart technology is game changing as it provides accurate data to inform public space and transport planning,” Sullivan said.

“The cameras in Central Geelong are linked to a control centre that is monitored by both specially trained council staff and Victoria Police.

“Having real-time data on usage of public spaces means we can make sure Central Geelong and our townships are attractive, vibrant and active.”

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