From today, seatbelt, mobile phone and speeding offences detected by WA’s fixed and trailer-mounted safety cameras will result in fines and demerit points for offenders.
The move marks the end of an eight-month caution notice period, as the State transitions from warnings to enforcement.
During this period, six safety camera trailers and fixed cameras on the Kwinana Freeway detected more than 380,000 offences, including:
- 26,800 people not wearing a seatbelt;
- more than 88,000 not wearing their seatbelt correctly;
- close to 97,000 with a mobile phone in their hand while driving;
- 61,000 with a mobile illegally resting on another part of their body such as their lap or shoulder; andÂ
- 100,000 speeding offences.
More than 65,000 caution notices have been issued, giving drivers an opportunity to change their dangerous driving behaviours without penalties.
The caution notice period has been supported by extensive media coverage, community partnerships and a statewide awareness campaign across TV, radio, print, digital, social media and roadside billboard channels which will continue to run until 31 October.
“After eight months of warnings, it’s pleasing to see some drivers have changed their dangerous behaviours behind the wheel, shown by a decrease in detected offending, but for others, penalties are necessary to prompt change,” said Road Safety Minister, Reece Whitby.
“While enforcement starts today, education and awareness will not stop. Saving lives, ensuring our roads are safe and changing behaviour are our priorities.
“Every time you get behind the wheel, you make choices that could mean life or death, not just for you, but for someone’s child, parent, partner or friend.
“You don’t need a fine or a camera to tell you what’s right. Slow down, wear your seatbelt properly, and leave the phone alone.”
To effectively cover the vast geographical area of the State, a hub model for safety camera deployment is being used. Two safety camera trailers are based at hubs established in the Perth metropolitan, Great Southern and Mid West regions.
In time, safety camera deployments will be undertaken in all parts of WA, with bases established across the State.
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.
For more information about the safety camera program, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/safety-cameras.
