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Australia Considers Motorcycle Surveillance Cameras

Posted on Aug 27, 2009

Posted 11/21/2007

The Australian government is prepared to shell out $2.3 million on a study regarding the use of roadside cameras to track motorcycle gangs (their words, not ours).

As part of an anti gang federal initiative, the cameras could track the movements of motorcyclists in heavy traffic. This government spying on the public is made easier with the ridiculously large license plates already required in places like Australia and England.

The overall costs and maintenance of the system’s software is also under study. The cameras are intended to track gang movement, offenders fleeing from police and smuggling operations. Other hard-line anti gang measures include outlawing membership in gangs, banning the wearing of club colors, restricting the number of bikes allowed to gather at one time and monitoring known members 24/7.

So far, such tactics have not reached the free shores of America, although our Constitution is ever under attack and is being dismantled by things like the Patriot Act and listing motorcycle clubs as “terrorists.” Many in the motorcycle community do not see these things so much as crime prevention measures but rather as job security for special tactical units.

Update: South Australia…South Australian Premier, Mike Rann, announced that he has just sanctioned the world’s toughest crackdown on motorcycle gangs. These so-called “terrorists in our community” will no longer be permitted to exist in South Australia.

The new legislation targets the Hells Angels, Bandidos and affiliated clubs, the Finks, Rebels, Gypsy Jokers, Descendents, Red Devils and Mob Shitters.

In all, there are 35 reported outlaw motorcycle gangs in Australia, with a membership of around 3,500. The recent surge in violence there prompted the new legislation, which makes it illegal for gang members to gather, meet or communicate. The penalty could be 5 years in jail for violation of this law. The government can also dismantle clubhouses and strongholds as well as confiscate property including the gang’s prized Harley-Davidson motorcycles.