The Rise of AI Road Safety Cameras in Western Australia

In late 2025, Western Australia embarked on a bold initiative to enhance road safety through advanced artificial intelligence technology integrated into mobile and fixed safety cameras. These AI-assisted road safety cameras represent a significant evolution from traditional speed cameras, capable of peering into vehicle cabins to detect not just speeding but also critical behaviors like improper seatbelt usage and mobile phone handling while driving. The rollout was part of the state's Safety Camera Strategy, aimed at reducing the unacceptable levels of road trauma, where an average of 164 fatalities and over 1,000 serious injuries occur annually, costing the community $2.4 billion.

The strategy emphasizes deterrence through widespread coverage, targeting high-risk behaviors that contribute substantially to crashes. For instance, unrestrained occupants are eight times more likely to be killed in a collision, while mobile phone use quadruples crash risk. Speeding factors into 32% of fatal crashes in WA. By automating detection, the government sought to complement police efforts, especially in regional areas where over 60% of 2024 road deaths occurred.

Timeline of the AI Camera Rollout

The journey began with trials showcasing the technology's potential. A six-month trial at sites like the Salter Point bridge detected over 66,000 mobile phone offences and 12,000 seatbelt breaches. Following this, six new safety camera trailers were introduced in 2025, with a caution notice period ending on October 7. Fines and demerit points kicked in from October 8, 2025. Trailers are deployed statewide—two in Perth metro, plus Albany and Geraldton—rotating regularly, alongside fixed cameras on Kwinana Freeway and Mill Point Road.

By April 2026, just six months into enforcement, the cameras had issued over 53,890 seatbelt infringements alone, alongside thousands more for mobile phones and speeding. Total fines issued approached $10 million, highlighting the scale of deployment.

How the AI Technology Works

These cameras use cutting-edge artificial intelligence to analyze high-resolution images in real-time. Positioned to capture clear views inside vehicles, the AI identifies violations such as drivers or front passengers not wearing seatbelts correctly (e.g., under the arm or lap-only), holding phones, or exceeding speeds. Every image flagged by AI is then reviewed by a Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) officer before a fine is issued, adding a human check to mitigate errors.

The system targets front-seat occupants primarily, holding drivers accountable for ensuring all passengers, including children, are properly restrained. Funds from fines feed directly into the Road Trauma Trust Account for safety initiatives like blackspot fixes and education campaigns. While innovative, the tech has faced scrutiny over accuracy, particularly with dynamic elements like clothing folds, shadows, or brief belt slips.

A Surge in Fines: The Numbers Behind the Controversy

From October 8, 2025, to April 17, 2026, seatbelt cameras alone issued 53,890 infringements at $550 each, potentially generating over $29 million. Including mobile phone and speeding detections, nearly $10 million in fines were issued in the first six months. Daily averages hit nearly 300 seatbelt fines, underscoring the cameras' reach.

Of 3,381 review requests lodged by drivers, an astonishing 60%—around 2,000 to 2,800 fines—were withdrawn, wiping out $1.1 million to $2.2 million. This equates to less than 4% of total offences overturned, but the high appeal success rate has fueled debate. Multiple fines in quick succession accounted for many withdrawals, as drivers had no chance to correct behavior.

Common Errors and Heartbreaking Driver Stories

Many fines stemmed from passenger issues, especially children whose belts slipped momentarily or were worn incorrectly. One driver, Steven Shaw, racked up over $2,000 in fines and 20 demerit points from four incidents involving the same passenger, risking his license and livelihood. He spent four months appealing, living in limbo while his wife drove. "AI cameras in my opinion are not suitable for this form of infringement," Shaw said.

Perth grandfather Ross Taylor, who founded an advocacy group, highlighted cases of sash belts (shoulder straps) flagged despite not being life-threatening, versus missed lap belt or phone-holding violations. Single mums lost two-thirds of demerit points from child-related fines, and some faced license suspensions. Delays in appeals—up to 20 business days—added stress amid rising workloads.

The Appeal Process: A Path to Justice?

Drivers can request a review via the Department of Transport website, submitting evidence like photos or explanations. Each case is reassessed case-by-case, often leading to withdrawals for short-interval multiples or evident errors. While officials praise fairness, critics decry the "guilty until proven innocent" burden, with hundreds joining online groups for support. Recent weeks saw five court withdrawals after challenges.

A formal Road Safety Commission review launched in late February 2026 examines penalties, potentially shifting some liability to passengers. Court battles are emerging, with a Queensland driver winning dismissal over a slipped passenger belt—precedent that WA motorists are citing.

Government Defense Amid Growing Backlash

Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby insists the system works: "It's a good system... less than 4% overturned, meaning most accept they're wrong." He credits behavior change for potential lives saved, planning more cameras in a staged rollout. Premier Roger Cook blames multiple pings before awareness, not AI faults.

DTMI emphasizes pre-issue human reviews and driver responsibility for passengers. Yet opposition leader Basil Zempilas calls for tweaks: "The government haven't gotten it right." Advocacy grows, questioning revenue motives amid $1M+ weekly hauls early on.Read the full ABC report on withdrawals.

Legal Challenges and Court Victories

Courts are testing AI reliability. In one case, a magistrate dismissed a fine where a passenger's belt slipped mid-trip, arguing drivers can't constantly monitor at highway speeds without risk. WA drivers report officials dropping cases pre-trial after challenges. Legal experts advise contesting questionable fines, citing 60% appeal wins as evidence of flaws.

Broader concerns include privacy and AI accuracy, though WA trails other states like QLD/NSW/VIC in camera-detected seatbelt fines nationally nearing 90%.

Do the Cameras Improve Road Safety?

Proponents point to deterrence: past trials slashed violations, aligning with strategies reducing trauma 50-70% by 2030. Regional focus addresses 60% fatalities there. Critics argue minor sash offences yield revenue without proportional safety gains, diverting from deadlier issues like fatigue or drugs.

Annual reporting will track behavior shifts; early data shows massive detections, but overturned fines question net impact. Comparable AI rollouts elsewhere surge fines but claim compliance boosts.West Australian analysis on appeal rates.

Comparisons with Other Australian States

WA's rollout mirrors national trends, with AI cameras booming fines: $100M+ nationally in early 2026. QLD, NSW, VIC lead seatbelt enforcement via cameras (90% detections). SA and others expand, but WA's 60% appeal success stands out, prompting unique scrutiny. All states prioritize cabin surveillance for phones/seatbelts amid rising trauma costs.

Future Outlook and Planned Expansions

Despite backlash, WA eyes more trailers and fixed sites within six months, with ongoing reviews refining penalties. Potential shifts: passenger fines, better AI training for clothing/children. Innovation incentives via trust funds could enhance accuracy. Balancing enforcement with fairness remains key as tech evolves.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for WA Drivers

• Double-check all seatbelts before driving, especially kids—use boosters correctly.
• Mount phones hands-free; no holding.
• If fined, appeal promptly with evidence; 60% success odds.
• Monitor DoT site for review status amid backlogs.
• Stay informed via official safety camera page.

While controversial, these cameras underscore personal responsibility on roads. Safe driving saves lives—stay vigilant.