Drivers in Western Australia had only weeks left before a new era of road enforcement began.

For months, cameras had been watching—without handing down financial penalties.

Now, the grace period was over, and fines were about to land.

After a seven-month trial, AI-powered cameras were set to issue fines from 8 October for drivers caught speeding, using a mobile phone, or failing to wear a seatbelt correctly.

During the caution period, more than 60,000 notices were sent out, covering over 275,000 offences across the state.

Authorities introduced six mobile safety cameras in late January, including trailer-mounted units and fixed freeway devices, designed to detect multiple violations at once.

AI road cameras set to issue fines. Image source: Pexels/Thomas Windisch | Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.

Upgraded cameras were also installed at two sites along the Kwinana Freeway, enhancing the rollout with permanent monitoring points.

The system was created to complement the existing fleet of automated speed cameras already in use by WA Police.

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According to the state government, the program was funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, with one hundred per cent of infringement revenue allocated to projects aimed at reducing serious crashes.

The urgency of the initiative came after Western Australia recorded its deadliest road toll in nearly a decade last year, with more than 180 lives lost.

The trial run of WA’s AI-powered cameras didn’t just tally offences—it also captured some shocking moments behind the wheel.

Source: Youtube/YahooLifestyleAu

If you thought the fines starting next month sounded strict, the trial period has already revealed just how much risky behaviour happens on the roads every day.

From speeding to seatbelt slip-ups, the cameras have been busy catching drivers who may not have realised they were breaking the rules.

One report laid out some of the most surprising—and at times shocking—offences recorded during the trial.

Read more: Reckless, dangerous and downright bizarre—new AI road cameras are catching it all

Key Takeaways

• AI-powered safety cameras in WA would start issuing fines from 8 October.
• Over 275,000 offences were detected during the seven-month trial period.
• The rollout included six mobile cameras and upgrades to fixed sites on the Kwinana Freeway.
• Revenue from infringements would go directly to road safety projects.

Could this new technology finally help turn the tide on WA’s rising road toll?

 

[magpie1]

Lets hope that it works and drivers wake up to themselves.

 

[kenrconn]

I, actually, saw one being set up yesterday on the M8 outbound from Melbourne. It is in the Rockbank area and the trailer was still attached to the vehicle installing it. I was amazed that Google maps already knew about it and asked for confirmation of its existence.

 

[meighLeigh]

If AI technology actually helps the issue, it'll be a first!
And why the "warning period"? The laws were in place before the technology was implemented. And, as SA police can attest, people who have had multiple warnings about their breaches during the 'warning period' continue with their ridiculous and dangerous driving practices. They also bitch like stink when they lose their licenses! Not that loss of a driver's license stops such idiots from driving. Their cars should also be confiscated and sold as part of the penalty for repeat offending.

 

[DLHM]

No worries of speeding on certain areas of the Kwinana freeway, especially around Cockburn. It never fails to crawl along there during the day. Peak hours, morning and afternoon are ridiculous.

But it’s good if drivers are picked up for using their phones in ways that distract them from what they’re supposed to be doing, (ie responsible driving). Applying makeup while supposedly driving is another pet peeve for me.

 

[7777]

Rules and laws will forever be broken when penalties are at a level where they can be paid without much hardship. If charges, penalties, fines and court orders were much more serious, everyone would obey the law. Something is very wrong here, just how effective are the financial charges and court orders, for breaking road rules, when people are breaking he road rules over and over again, 24/7, 365 days a year.

 

[novezar]

Wow, a 7 month trial session is extremely generous indeed. No doubt with a fair bit of expense involved with the 'Advertising" of the onset of the cameras etc., making drivers completely aware of their being in place.

Now, any driver who gets sprung is going to be one complete & utter jerk with no sympathy provided.