More than 31,000 infringements have been issued in the first month of operation of Western Australia’s new fixed and trailer-mounted safety cameras.
Between 8 October and 8 November, more than 31,855infringements were issued for offences including:
- 12,288 for mobile phone use;
- 10,285 for seatbelt offences; and
- 9,282 for speeding offences.
A high number of infringements were issued to drivers whose passenger was incorrectly wearing a seatbelt.
The infringements represent about $13 million in fines and all funds from safety camera infringements are reinvested in road safety projects across Western Australia via the Road Trauma Trust Account.
“Distracted driving and people not wearing seatbelts correctly are two major factors adding to the number of lives lost on our roads each and every year,” said Road Safety Minister, Reece Whitby.
“Safety cameras give us more reach, more flexibility, and more opportunities to hold dangerous drivers to account.
“As we head into the festive season, this technology, combined with WA Police on road presence and enforcement, plays a major role in deterring these behaviours.
“These cameras are about changing behaviour to save more lives on WA roads.
“We will continue to build on initiatives and programs that send the message that distracted driving, seatbelt noncompliance, and speeding will not be tolerated.”
Infringements began on 8 October following an extensive eight-month awareness and education period. During that period, more than 380,000 offences were detected, with more than 65,000 caution notices issued.
The safety cameras have revealed some disturbing insights into driver behaviour, including:
- a truck driver with no hands on the steering wheel, operating a laptop computer, using a mobile phone, and not wearing a seatbelt while driving 100 kilometres per hour on the Mitchell Freeway;
- a front seat passenger wearing no seatbelt, cradling an unrestrained baby; and
- a driver with no hands on the steering wheel, using a mobile phone, driving 20 kilometres per hour over the limit in a school zone.
“The new safety cameras are now detecting a range of behaviours that in many cases previously went undetected,” said Minister Assisting the Transport Minister, Jessica Stojkovski.
“Offences associated with mobile phone use and incorrect wearing of seatbelts, by drivers and by passengers, are turning up regularly.
“The message is: the technology is now out there, unsafe behaviours will get you fined, and you’ll incur demerit points.”
The safety camera program is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which sees 100% of safety camera infringements allocated to projects and programs which reduce injuries and deaths on WA roads.
To learn more about offences and penalties visit wa.gov.au/rsc/safetycameras.
