Almost two million Australian drivers have been formally warned that new high-tech roadside safety cameras will be operating in enforcement mode from today. This follows months of a trial phase that resulted in the detection of a staggering 300,000 infringements.
Western Australia’s AI-enabled road safety cameras are set to scan for mobile phone offences, incorrect use of seatbelts, and speeding. These cameras will alert authorities when drivers are in breach and now issue fines. Stationed on the roads since late January, they have already detected — but not penalized — a “mind-boggling” number of offences.
Statewide Warnings and Public Response
On Tuesday, the state’s top cop cautioned motorists across Western Australia in a last-ditch effort to ensure compliance, stating residents had been “given plenty of notice”. Police Commissioner Col Blanch emphasized the importance of conscious driving decisions.
“If you are caught in the first week, you’ll have to seriously question your ability to be on the road because you know it’s a conscious decision to put on a seatbelt and it’s an important decision,” he said, as reported by The West Australian.
Blanch further expressed the aim of reducing road fatalities, stating, “We don’t want to see anyone die on the road. And I certainly don’t want to send police to fatal car accidents.”
Road Safety Concerns and Expert Opinions
Speaking to Yahoo News ahead of the change, WA RAC General Manager External Relations, Will Golsby, reminded motorists that the state ranks consistently among the worst in the nation for road safety. Golsby highlighted the grim statistics that drivers must strive to improve.
“Last year was one of the worst for road deaths in a decade, and we are tragically on track for a terrible year yet again,” he had earlier said.
Golsby emphasized the role of technology in saving lives, adding, “Road safety cameras are an important measure to crack down on dangerous behaviour … including the use of mobile phones while driving. This type of technology can help save lives and stop serious injuries on our roads, and we look forward to seeing it fully rolled out.”
Blanch encouraged road users to “just start driving better, paying more attention” and to “get off their phones”. “And put your seatbelt on, and then we won’t have to worry about fining you,” he said.
Western Australia’s Troubling Road Safety Record
More than 300,000 West Australians have been caught driving without a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, or speeding in the past eight months. Of those, around 70,000 were detected wearing a seatbelt incorrectly, while another 20,000 were found not wearing one at all. A further 135,000 motorists were photographed touching or using their mobile phones while driving.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby stated that the State Government had issued about 65,000 caution notices to give drivers ample warning before fines are introduced. The “Caught In A Flash” advertising campaign launched on Sunday night across various media as a final reminder ahead of warning letters being replaced by fines. As of Tuesday, 144 people have lost their lives on WA roads this year.
“We’re seeing people do the wrong thing again and again … [it’s] mind-boggling,” Whitby said. “What we’re seeing is such an extreme and astounding rate of offences by some in the community”. Whitby said the figures should serve as a “huge wake-up call” to drivers in the state.
One motorist was caught a whopping 81 times in breach of an offence. Another was caught holding what appeared to be a beer in one hand, a mobile phone in the other, while not wearing a seatbelt. Another was snapped smoking a glass pipe, while somebody else was found to be driving while holding a child.
Details on Fines and Offences
In Western Australia, the fines depend on the severity of the offence, starting from $500 and going as high as $1000.
Mobile Phone Offences
- Illegal phone use: $500 fine and 3 demerit points. This includes holding, touching or resting a phone on any part of the body.
- Serious illegal phone use: $1,000 fine and 4 demerit points. This includes creating, sending, or looking at a text, email, social media, photo, video or similar.
Seatbelt Offences
- Unrestrained driver: $550 and 4 demerit points
- Unrestrained driver with 1 unrestrained passenger: $600 and 4 demerit points
- Unrestrained driver with 2 unrestrained passengers: $700 and 4 demerit points
- Unrestrained driver with 3 unrestrained passengers: $800 and 4 demerit points
- Unrestrained driver with 4 or more unrestrained passengers: $900, 4 demerit points
- Restrained driver with 1 unrestrained passenger: $550 and 4 demerit points
- Restrained driver with 2 unrestrained passengers: $600 and 4 demerit points
- Restrained driver with 3 unrestrained passengers: $700 and 4 demerit points
- Restrained driver with 4 or more unrestrained passengers: $800 and 4 demerit points
- Passenger age 16 or over unrestrained: $550
The implementation of these fines marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety in Western Australia. Authorities hope that the financial penalties will serve as a deterrent to risky driving behaviors, ultimately reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on the roads.
