New cameras capable of detecting various driving offences

Watch this podcast interview on YouTube where we sit down with Matthew Samson, Acting Director of Innovation and Technology at the WA Road Safety Commission, to unpack how these new road safety cameras work. Or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

The rollout of new road safety cameras capable of detecting a range of offences began in January this year across the state, with more than 275,000 offences already recorded.

According to WA Police, the cameras are the most advanced of their kind in the country and are able to detect illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, speeding, and point-to-point speeding offences through the use of AI detection technology.

The cameras are also capable of identifying unlicensed vehicles, as well as heavy vehicles and vehicles towing trailers and caravans that are travelling faster than the maximum 100km/h speed limit.

The six new mobile camera trailers will be moved to various locations around the Perth metropolitan area and regional areas, along with fixed cameras already in place at two sites along the Kwinana Freeway.

During the rollout period, motorists were only given caution notices for those offences not previously covered by this type of enforcement device, meaning fines will still be issued for those caught speeding.

For those receiving caution notices, no offence was recorded against their driver’s licence, however from 8 October infringement notices began to be issued.

The range of offences detected so far include illegal use of mobile phones, seatbelt offences, the use of drugs and alcohol, and many other alarming behaviours.

Many drivers have been caught offending multiple times, including one that was snapped more than 80 times.

Any money from the fines from these new cameras will be spent on improving road safety through the Road Trauma Trust Account.