High-tech speed cameras that can identify vehicles travelling in either direction and across eight lanes of traffic will be introduced throughout Victoria over the next four years.

Victorian minister for police and emergency services Kim Wells confirmed the state’s 141 mobile speed cameras would be replaced with the new technology before the end of 2018.

The state’s current cameras are more than 20 years old, are limited to detecting speeding vehicles travelling in one lane and in one direction, and are restricted to areas where camera cars can safely park on the side of the road.

The new cameras will be more effective in catching speeding motorcycles that dodge today’s cameras because they do not have front-mounted licence plates.

Wells is also investigating cameras fitted with infrared technology, which would allow them to detect speeding motorists at night.

“Technology in this area is advancing rapidly and we will explore all options to make Victoria’s road safety camera network as strong as it can be,” Wells said.