In a startling revelation, thousands of Australian drivers may be unknowingly driving without valid licences due to a massive backlog of unprocessed traffic infringements. Western Australia’s Department of Transport (DoT) is currently grappling with a staggering 73,000 unprocessed notices, leaving many drivers oblivious to the fact that they’ve accumulated enough demerit points to lose their driving privileges. This alarming situation has raised concerns about road safety and the efficiency of the state’s traffic infringement system.
The backlog stems from a recent transition in responsibility for processing traffic fines from the WA Police Force to the DoT. While the move was intended to streamline the system and improve the experience for drivers, it has instead led to significant delays and administrative challenges. With the opposition calling the handover a “complete botching of the process,” the issue has sparked a heated debate about accountability and the potential risks posed by unlicensed drivers on the roads.
A System in Chaos: The Backlog Breakdown
The transition of traffic infringement processing from the WA Police Force to the DoT was meant to modernize the system and provide better service to drivers. However, eight months into the handover, the department is struggling to manage the overwhelming volume of unprocessed fines. Shadow Transport Spokesman Tjorn Sibma has been vocal in his criticism, stating, “To have a backlog of over 70,000 infringements in the system is not indicative of teething problems.”
The delays mean that many drivers who have accrued enough demerit points to warrant licence suspension are still on the roads, unaware of their legal status. Sibma emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “The consequence of this botching of the rollout means there are people in WA who are driving today who should not be driving because they’ve accumulated that number of demerit points which necessitates their licence be cancelled.”
Adding to the concern is the impending end of a grace period for traffic cameras using AI technology to detect mobile phone usage. Once this grace period concludes in April, the number of fines issued is expected to skyrocket, further straining the already overwhelmed system.
Government Response: Temporary Delays or Systemic Failure?
In response to the growing criticism, the DoT has acknowledged the delays but maintains that the situation is temporary. A statement provided to the ABC assured the public that the backlog is being addressed and that processing times are expected to improve within weeks. “Once complete, this transition will provide better, more convenient, and more flexible payment options for people paying infringements,” the statement read.
The department also highlighted that the oldest unprocessed infringement dates back to December 6, 2024, and that the current processing times are similar to those of the previous system. Additionally, the DoT emphasized that serious offences, such as hooning, are being prioritized and are not part of the backlog. “Infringements for significant antisocial road safety behaviour are prioritized for action and are not part of the infringements waiting to be processed,” the statement clarified.
Road Safety at Risk: The Broader Implications
The backlog of unprocessed traffic infringements has far-reaching implications for public safety and public trust in the system. With thousands of potentially unlicensed drivers on the roads, the risk of accidents and unsafe driving behaviour increases. The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of the transition process and whether sufficient resources were allocated to handle the workload.
Sibma’s concerns about the impending surge in fines due to AI-powered traffic cameras further underscore the need for a robust and efficient system. “They had an enormous lead time to do it,” he said, referring to the government’s preparation for the transition. “They’re aware of problems in other jurisdictions but are still running into [issues].”
