A controversial roadside feature, long criticized by Australian drivers, may prove vital in reducing the nation’s road fatalities. “Safety cameras” have become increasingly common across the country as authorities strive to address a rising road death toll. These AI-powered devices, which detect mobile phone use and seatbelt violations, have been quickly adopted by state governments despite motorists’ skepticism.
Professor Stuart Newstead, Director of the Monash University Accident Research Centre, emphasized the importance of modifying driver behavior to decrease road deaths. He told Yahoo News Australia that roadside cameras targeting speeding, phone use, and improper seatbelt use “have the potential for immense behavioural change” if implemented effectively.
Understanding the Impact of Safety Cameras
While many drivers express frustration over fines, Professor Newstead noted that repeated enforcement leads to behavioral changes. “The more they get caught, the more they do fundamentally change the behaviour and become more compliant,” he explained. However, he acknowledged that the public often misunderstands the collective risk associated with widespread non-compliance with road rules.
Fines for violations vary across states and territories. In New South Wales (NSW), for instance, speeding fines range from $149 to $2,959, depending on the severity of the offense, as per Transport NSW.
Advantages of Roadside Safety Cameras
According to Professor Newstead, these cameras are not only cost-effective for authorities but also have the potential to rapidly alter community behavior. “These laws are in place for a reason, because they’re designed to try and improve safety,” he stated. Automated enforcement programs that increase compliance often lead to a significant reduction in road trauma.
“A typical mobile speed camera program has probably reduced trauma, particularly in Victoria, by about 25 to 30 per cent less than what it would have been without it,”
Professor Newstead added.
Despite complaints about fairness, Newstead pointed out that the issue is not the enforcement itself but rather a disagreement with the laws. “There is plenty of evidence to show that all behaviours that are enforced, particularly by those automated technologies, are actually dangerous,” he asserted.
Rising Road Fatalities in Australia
In 2025, Australia’s road death toll reached its highest level in over a decade, with 1,314 fatalities. A report from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) indicated a 1.7% increase from the previous year, with NSW experiencing an 8.6% rise and Queensland seeing a 2% increase.
Professor Newstead highlighted the need to address multifaceted issues contributing to road trauma, such as poor road design, vehicle choice, and both intentional and unintentional risky behaviors like speeding and distracted driving. He also noted the challenges posed by an ageing population.
Design and Infrastructure Challenges
There is a fundamental mismatch between road design and vehicle specifications, particularly in outer suburbs where drivers face hazardous conditions when merging onto high-speed roads. Professor Newstead emphasized the need for strategic investments in road upgrades or speed reductions in areas where upgrades are not feasible.
Without significant changes, Australia is unlikely to meet its goal of zero road deaths by 2050. “If we accept that a bit of compromise can have some significant benefits, then we could have those benefits,” Newstead concluded, warning against complacency in addressing these critical issues.
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