Eyes on the road: Perth’s new cameras could cost drivers millions in fines

As we navigate the roads of our bustling cities, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the eyes of the law are watching more closely than ever before. For Perth motorists, in particular, the reality of being under constant surveillance is set to intensify with the introduction of more smart cameras, making it one of the most monitored stretches of road in the country.

The deployment of traffic cameras designed to catch drivers using mobile phones, neglecting seatbelt use, and speeding is not a new phenomenon. However, the scale of the rollout is noteworthy, with a 25km stretch of Perth freeways soon to be overseen by nine cameras. This is a significant increase in the city’s surveillance capabilities and a clear sign that authorities are taking road safety seriously.

With smart cameras soon to monitor Perth’s freeways, authorities expect fines to total between $5 million and $10 million each month. Image Source: wirestock / Freepik

Western Australia has been proactive in its approach to road safety, with six new mobile cameras introduced at the end of last year. The recent announcement of a tender for four additional ‘smart cameras’ on Perth freeways is a continuation of this commitment. The government’s Road Safety Strategy is ramping up following a sobering statistic: 2024 saw the highest road toll in a decade, with 190 lives tragically lost.

The proposed new fixed cameras will be installed on the Kwinana and Mitchell Freeways, adding to the existing surveillance infrastructure that includes cameras at Bateman and Como on the Kwinana Freeway, one at Innaloo on the Mitchell Freeway, and two fixed point-to-point average speed cameras along the Forrest Highway.

These fixed safety cameras are not just for show; they are equipped to detect a variety of high-risk behaviours simultaneously. Acting Road Safety Commissioner Rebecca Hamilton emphasised their ability to identify drivers who are not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones while driving, or speeding. A trial on the Kwinana Freeway has already yielded ‘eye-opening’ results, with thousands of offences being recorded each month.

The potential revenue from fines for these offences is staggering, estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million a month. However, the focus remains on safety rather than revenue generation. The technology behind these cameras is constantly improving, and efforts to evade detection are becoming increasingly futile. The tech teams involved are highly skilled and dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that the majority of offences will be captured.

The impact of these cameras is not limited to Western Australia. Across the country, similar technology is making waves. Queensland and New South Wales have been using this equipment for years, with noticeable improvements in driver behaviour. South Australia’s recent adoption of the technology has led to the recording of 28,000 mobile phone offences by just five cameras in Adelaide since October.

While the technology is impressive, it’s not infallible. In Victoria, there have been instances of drivers being incorrectly fined for allegedly using a phone. A report found that some challenged photos were not ‘sufficiently reviewed and accurately assessed’. This serves as a reminder that while technology is a powerful tool for enhancing road safety, it requires careful management and oversight.

Have you had any experiences with these smart cameras, or do you have thoughts on the balance between safety and surveillance? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!

Also read: Australia Day on the road: Beat the double demerit blues

Abegail Abrugar
Abegail Abrugar
Abby is a dedicated writer with a passion for coaching, personal development, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. With a strong background in leadership, she provides practical insights designed to inspire growth and positive change in others.

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