Western Australia (WA) has introduced new safety camera technology aimed at tackling road safety issues, starting on Australia Day, January 26. This initiative includes six mobile camera trailers designed to detect mobile phone and seatbelt violations, complementing the existing fixed safety cameras in the state.
WA has earned a troubling reputation as one of the country’s worst states for road safety, with 2023 recording the highest road toll in a decade. These advanced cameras are part of a broader effort to change dangerous driving behaviors.
New Technology to Address Dangerous Driving Habits
During the initial phase, drivers caught violating the rules will receive a caution notice rather than fines, giving them an opportunity to adjust their behavior. Enforcement, including fines up to $1,000 for mobile phone use and a loss of four demerit points, will take effect in April.
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) has expressed strong support for the initiative. Will Golsby, the RAC’s general manager, highlighted the dire need for change: “WA is consistently one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to road safety. Last year was one of the worst for road deaths in a decade.”
Trials of the new technology revealed alarming statistics, with tens of thousands of motorists observed using phones illegally, prompting calls to potentially shorten the grace period for fines.
Cameras Aim to Save Lives and Deter Dangerous Behavior
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner emphasized the life-saving potential of the new system, noting that WA’s extensive road network makes it impossible for police to monitor every area. The cameras address this gap by targeting risky behaviors such as mobile phone use, seatbelt violations, and speeding.
RAC advocates for a cultural shift among drivers, encouraging the use of features like “do not disturb” mode to prevent distractions. “We need to focus on arriving at our destination safely,” Golsby said, reinforcing the importance of driver attention.
Addressing Concerns About Revenue Generation
Critics have raised concerns about the cameras being a tool for revenue raising, but Acting Road Safety Commissioner Rebecca Hamilton dismissed these claims. She explained that all funds collected through the Road Trauma Trust Account are allocated to projects aimed at reducing injuries and deaths on WA roads.
Hamilton also pointed to other states, such as Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia, where similar technology has significantly influenced driver behavior. For instance, five cameras installed in Adelaide since October have captured 28,000 mobile phone offences.
Additional Measures in WA’s Road Safety Strategy
The safety crackdown doesn’t stop with mobile cameras. Plans are underway to install four additional smart cameras on Perth freeways, which will make certain areas of WA among the most camera-monitored in the nation. A 25-kilometer stretch of road could soon host nine cameras as part of the government’s Road Safety Strategy.
