Let’s set the scene: since January, a new breed of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras has been quietly watching over some of Australia’s busiest roads. Their mission? To catch dangerous driving and, hopefully, save lives.
But they’ve captured a jaw-dropping snapshot of how many of us are flouting the rules, sometimes in ways that defy belief. The latest rollout of high-tech road cameras has not only left police gobsmacked, but it’s also set to hit the hip pockets of thousands of drivers.
These cameras have clocked up a mind-bending 130,000 offences in just six months. That’s more than 800 offences daily, with over 25 million vehicles passing through their gaze.
And while the cameras are still in their trial phase (meaning no fines), nearly 50,000 caution letters have already been sent to drivers caught red-handed.
So, what are we all doing wrong? The numbers are eye-watering:
- 50,000 drivers were caught either not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly.
- 75,000 drivers were snapped using their phones illegally—texting, scrolling, or even taking selfies.
Some drivers were caught in bizarre situations: one was seen with a beer in one hand, a phone in the other, and no seatbelt on.
Another was caught smoking a glass pipe, while yet another was driving with a child in their lap.
There was even a P-plater letting a passenger steer while they used their phone, and a man driving with his leg propped up on the dashboard.
Police Minister Reece Whitby didn’t mince words when he addressed Parliament: ‘These cameras are the most advanced in the country. They capture multiple offences inside the cabin of the vehicle.’
He shared photos of drivers using iPads, nursing babies, and—astonishingly—one driver who’s been caught 81 times.
Repeat offenders and the coming crackdown
It’s not just the odd slip-up, either. Some drivers are being caught repeatedly. Ten people have been detected breaking the law more than 40 times each.
‘There are people in the community who just blatantly ignore the law,’ Whitby said.
‘When these safety cameras start issuing fines, we’re going to see a huge number of people, if they don’t change their ways, losing their licence.’
And here’s the kicker: the cameras are still in their trial phase, and caution notices will be issued only in October.
But once the grace period ends, the fines will start rolling out—and, if current trends continue, so will a tidal wave of revenue for the state government.
Revenue raising or road safety?
It’s a question that gets people talking: Are these cameras about safety, or are they just a cash grab? Whitby insists it’s about changing behaviour, not raising money.
‘I don’t want to be someone who is going to be involved in massive revenue raising, I want behaviour change,’ he said.
‘But if this continues at the rate we’ve seen, we are going to see revenue roll in like we’ve never seen it before, and I’ll be gladly spending it on more safety measures.’
Currently, the cameras are stationed at two fixed locations on the Kwinana Freeway, with another six mobile cameras on trailers in Albany and 55 more scattered around Perth’s suburbs.
The technology is so advanced that it can spot multiple offences at once, so if you’re thinking of sneaking a quick text at the lights, think again.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re a law-abiding driver, you might be breathing a sigh of relief. But for anyone who’s ever been tempted to check their phone, skip the seatbelt, or let a passenger take the wheel (yes, really), it’s time to rethink those habits.
And for those who worry about privacy or the ‘nanny state’, it’s worth remembering why these cameras were introduced: to reduce the state’s road toll and keep everyone safer. With so many drivers still taking risks, it’s clear there’s work to be done.
While younger drivers often get the blame for risky behaviour, these cameras have shown that bad habits span all age groups. Older drivers can be just as likely to slip up, especially regarding seatbelts and mobile phones.
And with insurance companies increasingly voiding claims for even minor breaches, the financial risks go beyond a simple fine.
What do you think about the new cameras? Are they a necessary step to keep our roads safe, or just another way for the government to make money?
Have you ever been caught by a road camera or seen someone doing something outrageous behind the wheel? We’d love to hear your stories and opinions in the comments below.
Also read: Are you ready for Australia’s big road rule shake-up starting 1 July?
If one person was caught 81 times wtf are they still on the road and not in the slammer?
Couldn’t agree more. Should have lost is/her licence at number 5
They are simply another way of raising revenue using safety as the justification.
There are only two reasons for road accidents, defective vehicles and driver error which generally means not driving safely for the prevailing road conditions, being distracted, heavily intoxicated or going to sleep at the wheel.
These cameras detect breaches of rules that do not directly cause crashes although some such as mobile phone use would sometimes be a contributing factor.
Most of these rules are nanny state stuff.
It’s a great pity that we need rules to force us to do what is in our best interest anyway! I am old enough to remember the outcry when seatbelts first became compulsory – infringement of liberty, revenue raising, no one will do it – the same reasons that we are hearing now.
The best way to avoid being inconvenienced by these measures is to drive within the law, not doing anything illegal, or dangerous (or just plain stupid!) so the penalties won’t apply to you! Easy.
There is nothing in the article to say that it applies to WA, except the naming of Police Minister Reece Whitby.
As I do not live in WA, and have no plans to visit, this article was totally irrelevant for me, and if theat information was in the Header, then I would have skipped the article !!