Starting October 8, drivers in Western Australia will face fines of up to $1,000 as new mobile and seatbelt detection cameras transition to enforcement mode. This development will impact the 2.2 million drivers across the state, targeting those who use mobile phones while driving, speed, or fail to wear seatbelts correctly.
The announcement comes as the state moves from a trial period, which began on January 26, to full enforcement. During the trial, 275,000 drivers received caution notices, allowing them time to adjust their driving habits without financial penalties. According to Police Minister Reece Whitby, the end of the caution period represents a significant step forward in reducing road trauma and saving lives.
Impact of the Trial Period
The trial period has already shown promising results. Authorities have reported a notable decrease in offenses detected by the new safety cameras. Specifically, there has been a 60 percent drop in mobile phone offenses captured by mobile camera units and a 33 percent reduction by fixed cameras. These cameras are strategically located across the Perth metropolitan area, Great Southern, and Mid West regions.
“I thank those who have already changed their behavior,” said Whitby. “Road safety is an important community issue, and it is pleasing to see Western Australian drivers doing their part to keep themselves and other road users safe.”
Details of the Fines
The fines for mobile phone and seatbelt offenses vary based on the severity of the violation. For mobile phone offenses, illegal phone use results in a $500 fine and three demerit points, while serious illegal phone use incurs a $1,000 fine and four demerit points. Seatbelt offenses range from $550 to $900, depending on the number of unrestrained passengers.
Mobile phone offenses:
- Illegal phone use: $500 fine and 3 demerit points
- Serious illegal phone use: $1,000 fine and 4 demerit points
Seatbelt offenses:
- 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 and 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
Background and Future Implications
The implementation of AI-powered road safety cameras in Western Australia is part of a broader trend seen across Australian states and globally. These technologies aim to improve road safety by deterring dangerous driving behaviors. The program is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, ensuring that all proceeds are reinvested into projects that reduce road injuries and fatalities.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts correctly, noting that while over 99 percent of people comply, a significant number of fatalities involve unrestrained passengers. “It’s time to wear your seatbelt properly and put the phone away,” Warner stated.
As the cameras switch to enforcement mode, authorities hope the financial penalties will further encourage compliance and enhance road safety across the state. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other regions looking to implement similar measures.
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