State’s major warning to ‘flouting’ drivers as hi-tech AI speed cameras rolled out to target phone, seatbelt offences

“Flouting” Western Australian drivers have been put on notice ahead of a major rollout of hi-tech AI speed cameras in the state’s bid to crack down on mobile phone and seatbelt offences. While the government has described the new cameras as revolutionary, the WA Liberals say the role out is well over due. WA’s Road Safety Minister David Michael on Monday said the new “cutting edge cameras” will be able to detect the offences when they are rolled out on January 26 next year – calling them the “most advanced” systems in the country. The new cameras use AI software to identify high-risk driver behaviours including illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, spot speed and point-to-point (average) speed. Caution notices will be issued to people caught on camera in the first few months – before an enforcement period commences in May next year. “Western Australian drivers need to realise it is only a matter of time before they are caught and fined for driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt,” Mr Michael said. “We’re cracking down on those flouting the law with new ‘anywhere, anytime’ hi-tech safety cameras.” It comes after the cameras were initially trialled all the way back in 2022, catching 66,000 offenders over a 6 month period. However, it was only in May when the government passed legislation allowing for fines to be issued for offences caught by the new cameras. Speaking to The West Australian, Liberal leader Libby Mettam said the outcome of the trial in 2022 was “deeply concerning”. She said it highlighted the “significant” cultural issues with drivers in WA using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt. “We welcome the news these road safety cameras will be rolled out from next month — but this should have been done two years ago, after the trial was completed,” Ms Mettam said. “Cameras are one thing, but nothing replaces having more police on the beat, which is exactly why the WA Liberals will put 300 extra police, including a full-strength highway patrol unit, on the beat from day one.” The new cameras will complement the existing fleet of automated speed cameras currently in use by the WA Police force. Assembled in Western Australia, the new trailers were funded by the Road Trauma Trust Account, which sees 100 per cent of safety camera infringement revenue allocated to projects and programs which reduce injuries and deaths on WA roads. In addition to the roll out of the trailers, two existing sets of cameras on the Kwinana Freeway will be upgraded using funds from the account. Currently in WA, drivers caught engaging in illegal phone use can be slapped with fines of up to $1000 and four demerit points, while seat belt offences can set them back $900 and four points as well.