- Cutting-edge safety cameras will start infringements from 8 October
- Safety cameras have picked up more than 275,000 mobile phone, seatbelt and speeding offences since February
- More than 60,000 caution notices issued for seatbelt and mobile phone offences
- The data collected over the past seven months has demonstrated evidence of behavioural change
Western Australian drivers have been given early notice that cutting-edge safety cameras that can detect mobile phone, seatbelt and speeding offences will start issuing infringement notices and fines/demerit points from 8 October.
Over the course of the seven-month caution notice period, there has been a notable decrease in offences detected by the safety cameras.
Between February and August, mobile phone offences detected by the safety camera trailers have dropped nearly 60 per cent and those detected by fixed cameras dropped by 33 per cent.
Seatbelt offences detected by the trailers also dropped by 34 per cent and 41 per cent by the fixed cameras.
Of those seatbelt and mobile phone offences in that period, more than 60,000 caution notices have been issued to warn and give drivers an opportunity to change their behaviour.
Six safety camera trailers operating in the Perth metropolitan area, Great Southern and Mid West, and fixed cameras on the Kwinana Freeway have detected more than 275,000 mobile phone, seatbelt and speeding offences since February.
These safety cameras are the most advanced in the nation and have the capability of detecting multiple offences simultaneously, including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and the improper use of a seatbelt.
The safety camera program is funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which sees 100 per cent of safety camera infringements allocated to projects and programs which reduce injuries and deaths on Western Australian roads.
Comments attributed to Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby:
"The purpose of this caution period has allowed drivers to adjust their behaviour without immediate financial penalties, while building community awareness of the new technology.
"Ending the caution period and marking the start of infringements marks a significant step forward in efforts to reduce road trauma and save lives on our roads.
"Seatbelts savelives,but they must be worn correctly, andyou should always put your phone away while you're driving.
"I thank those who have changed their behaviour. Road safety is an important community issue, and it is pleasing to see Western Australian drivers doing their part to keep themselves and other road users safe."
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"This advanced technology is giving police a powerful tool to tackle the leading causes of road trauma.
"Already it is changing behaviour with a significant drop in drivers caught breaking the rules during the caution period.
"Fewer dangerous drivers mean safer roads. By wearing a seatbelt and putting phones away, we can help prevent tragedies."
