New cameras put bad drivers on notice

By PETER ROWE

Drivers in WA have been warned to quit using mobile phones while on the roads after the State government announced it has introduced world-first, cutting g edge safety cameras on its roads.

Six mobile safety camera trailers will be introduced over the next six months, along with upgrades to fixed cameras at two sites on the Kwinana Freeway south of Perth.

These new safety cameras will be the most advanced in the country and have the capability to detect multiple offences simultaneously, including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences.

While the new safety camera technology is being rolled out, a caution period will apply.

From January 26 drivers detected committing a mobile phone or seatbelt offence by the new safety cameras will receive a caution notice.

The caution notice will inform recipients about the capabilities of the new technology and give them an opportunity to change their dangerous driving behaviour before enforcement commences.

“Western Australian drivers need to realise it is only a matter of time before they are caught and fined for driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt,” Road Safety Minister David Michael said.

“We’re cracking down on those flouting the law with new ‘anywhere, anytime’ high-tech safety cameras.

“Those caught by the safety cameras will not be fined during the caution period. Instead, they will receive a caution notice advising them that they’ve been detected.

“The message is clear and simple: these cameras are coming, slow down, buckle up and put your phone away.”