Axis announces its partnership with two of the largest cities in Victoria, Australia – Melbourne and Geelong, to enhance its Safe City Camera Networks.
The integrated security solutions supplied by Axis will help communities feel safer in public places through enhanced crime prevention, deterrence, and response. Over 300 CCTV cameras have been upgraded to Axis’ PTZ cameras across the two cities.
The high-performance PTZ cameras enables the automatic detection between vehicles and pedestrians, providing council with insights of the 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,” 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,” Mr Lee 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 numbers 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.
Victorian State Government has 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, a key to delivering an efficiently flowing city is to understand how it operates. From the flow of vehicles & pedestrians through to effects of events on transport infrastructures such as parking and public transport. Data analytics and automations allow for transport operators and city councils to make informed decision and plan for the future.” Mr 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,” the Deputy Mayor 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.”
Axis has a proven track record of offering ‘Smart Cities’ solutions worldwide and is continuing efforts to help Australian cities be smoothly operating, lively hubs of activity that protect citizens whilst still respecting their privacy.
“The City of Melbourne through the Safe City Camera Program and many other safety initiatives takes safety of the public domain very seriously. Through our security integrator we have developed a strong working relationship with the Axis Communications Melbourne Office. The Axis products are very reliable and we communicate well and openly with the Axis team when we provide feedback about improvements, potential changes or new products to create a safer Melbourne.” Craig Buckingham – Team Leader Security services at City of Melbourne.