Department of Transport reveals AI camera infringements for Geraldton & Mid West residents warned to be safe

Geraldton and Mid West residents are being warned to educate themselves on the long-term purpose of mobile AI safety cameras, as 118 drivers are being fined on average every week. Geraldton is home to two roving AI cameras watching for drivers using their phones while driving, speeding and not wearing or incorrectly wearing seatbelts. The cameras have been in town since June last year but were only operating on a warning basis before enforcement started in October. The two advanced-technology safety cameras based out of Geraldton currently cover the city and the Mid West region, extending south of Jurien Bay and north of Kalbarri. Data from the Department of Transport revealed the cameras have captured 4441 speed, mobile phone and seatbelt offences in the region to date. From these offences, 3296 infringements have been generated. This data follows a report from The West Australian revealing 60 per cent of WA motorists who appealed against AI camera seatbelt fines have had their penalties withdrawn. The images coming from the cameras were reportedly “controversial and disturbing”, in the way people claimed they had been “unfairly fined” while others had been caught breaching road safety rules. It was reported that more than $1 million in fines had been cancelled after hundreds of drivers “successfully contested their fines amid a public outcry, which led to a review of the cameras”. However, from the fines not appealed, the department said the cameras were present to teach West Australians to be safe and drive responsibly. In the Mid West, only 44 fines have been withdrawn. The department said of those 44, five were withdrawn because they were incurred shortly after an initial offence, “so there was no opportunity for a driver to change their behaviour”. In December, Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said the safety cameras gave the department more reach, more flexibility and more opportunities to hold dangerous drivers to account. “Distracted driving and people not wearing seatbelts correctly are two major factors adding to the number of lives lost on our roads each and every year,” he said. “We will continue to build on initiatives and programs that send the message that distracted driving, seatbelt non-compliance and speeding will not be tolerated.”