Millions of drivers in Australia, especially in Western Australia (WA), should take note—new road safety cameras will soon catch and fine those breaking seatbelt and mobile phone laws. Starting Australia Day, January 26, WA will roll out six mobile camera trailers to catch dangerous driving behaviors. These mobile units will work alongside existing fixed cameras to improve road safety.
This step comes after WA recorded its worst road toll in 2023, with more deaths than in any other year over the past decade. Authorities hope the cameras will change risky habits and save lives.
How the New Camera Technology Works?
In the first few months, drivers caught breaking the rules will receive warning letters instead of fines. But come April, fines of up to $1,000 for mobile phone use and four demerit points will apply.
The Royal Automobile Club of WA (RAC) is fully backing the move. Will Golsby, RAC’s general manager, highlighted the urgency of the issue: “WA has one of the worst road safety records in the nation. Last year’s road deaths were alarming.”
Trials of these cameras have already revealed shocking results. Tens of thousands of drivers were caught using their phones illegally, sparking discussions about whether the grace period for warnings should be shortened.
Fines to Save Lives, Not Just Raise Money
Adrian Warner, WA’s Road Safety Commissioner, stressed that the cameras are about saving lives, not collecting revenue. “It’s impossible for police to monitor every road. These cameras fill that gap and focus on risky behaviors like texting or not wearing seatbelts.”
The cameras are expected to make a big impact. Similar systems in other states, such as South Australia and Queensland, have successfully reduced dangerous driving habits. For example, in Adelaide, five cameras caught 28,000 phone violations since October.
Cultural Change Needed Among Drivers
The RAC is pushing for a mindset shift among WA drivers. Golsby encouraged the use of features like “Do Not Disturb” modes on phones. “We need to prioritize safety and make sure everyone arrives alive,” he said.
Critics worry these measures are more about making money than improving safety. However, Acting Road Safety Commissioner Rebecca Hamilton assured the public that every dollar collected will go to projects aimed at reducing road injuries and deaths.
More Cameras Coming Soon
This is just the beginning. The government plans to add four more smart cameras to Perth freeways, making some stretches of WA roads the most heavily monitored in the country. One 25-kilometer area may soon have up to nine cameras under the government’s Road Safety Strategy.
The initiative sends a clear message: WA is serious about tackling its road safety crisis. Drivers need to change their habits now to avoid hefty fines and, more importantly, to save lives.
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