'What are they thinking?': Bizarre roadside object leaves motorists and locals baffled

Locals in Melbourne's east have been left scratching their heads after a futuristic-looking speed camera popped up on the side of the road.

The irregular-shaped box, which features strips of caution tape and a sign reading "surveillance cameras in use", appeared on a bike lane beside Dorset Road in Croydon a few days ago.

Mystery surrounds how the object got there, but it's understood to be an autonomous road safety camera.

Late today Nine News confirmed private operator Serko commissioned the trial.

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Agencies from VicRoads to Victoria Police said they were puzzled by the arrival of the device, which has been labelled as "out of place" and "an eyesore" by locals.

"When I first saw it, I thought 'sneaky buggers' ... it's a revenue-raising speed camera," one resident said.

"I was a little bit surprised seeing it there. That's why I stopped to see exactly what it was," another said.

The camera can be used for a variety of functions including speed detection and number plate recognition and is designed to be used in locations that are dangerous or difficult for human operators.

But locals fear the the roadside distraction could be a safety hazard, because it obstructs the bike lane on Dorset Road.

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"You've either got to go around onto the road at 70km/h cars, or hop onto the footpath which you have to walk or break the law basically," a local said.

"Sitting in the bike lane, really? What are they thinking?" another questioned.

Council said it was aware of community concern surrounding the trailer and has requested for it to be relocated.

"While council supports investment in road safety, we have raised concerns as to its current location as it is impacting access to the bike lane, and understand it will be removed in the coming days," a Maroondah City Council spokesperson said.