On-water offences at Perth's busiest boating hotspots have nearly halved following the successful implementation of CCTV - demonstrating improved, safer behaviour by skippers.
Comparison of total infringements and cautions recorded at the four permanent CCTV locations (Belmont, Narrows Bridge, Deep Water Point and Point Walter) last summer (December 2018-January 2019) and this summer (December 2019-January 2020) show a 48 per cent fall from 212 to 111.
In October 2018 the Department of Transport (DoT) expanded CCTV locations to enforce boating laws and encourage safe waterway use.
While the overall results are extremely positive with reductions for every offence type, the statistics revealed that speeding on the Swan Canning Riverpark continued to increase with 15 offences recorded last summer and 28 this summer at the CCTV locations.
DoT recently introduced two new mobile CCTV units targeting speeding on the riverpark and the initial deployment of the units at East Street in Fremantle and at Point Reserve in Bassendean has seen modified behaviour after officers issued 75 infringements.
In a bid to further reduce speeding on the water and allow safer sharing of waterways, DoT has also expanded the number of radar speed signs in operation at various times to nine at 18 locations on the riverpark.
The initiatives complement DoT's existing marine safety compliance patrols in the metropolitan area.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The introduction of CCTV, allowing constant monitoring of on-water activities, has been the catalyst for improved boating behaviour and resulted in safer waterways for all users this summer.
"The statistics show the safety initiative has been extremely effective and delivered a positive outcome for the wider community.
"The recent introduction of mobile CCTV units and expansion of speed radar signs that show skippers the speed they are travelling at and slow down if needed, are sure to deliver further improvements and safer behaviour on the water."
Minister's office - 6552 5500
