❓ Analysis of WA parliamentary question regarding AI road safety cameras, seatbelt infringements, and revenue allocation to the Road Trauma Trust Account. The government clarifies enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and revenue allocation.

Following reports that more than $13 million in fines were issued in the first month of operation of the State’s AI road safety cameras detecting seatbelt, mobile phone use and speeding offences, I ask:(a) does the AI camera infringements distinguish between drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt at all and those who are wearing a seatbelt improperly or incorrectly adjusted;(b) if yes to (a), how many infringements to date fall into each category;(c) what is the Government’s rationale for imposing the same fine and demerit point penalty for not wearing a seatbelt and for improperly wearing or adjusting a seatbelt;(d) if improper seatbelt use is emerging as a significant road safety issue, what education or public awareness campaigns has the Government implemented, or does it plan to implement, to change this behaviour;(e) now that the AI cameras have been operational for three months, what is the estimated revenue from the cameras for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 financial years; and(f) can the Government guarantee that 100 per cent of the revenue raised from these AI camera seatbelt fines will be directed into the Road Trauma Trust Account to fund road safety projects and programs? Following reports that more than $13 million in fines were issued in the first month of operation of the State’s AI road safety cameras detecting seatbelt, mobile phone use and speeding offences, I ask: (a) does the AI camera infringements distinguish between drivers who are not wearing a seatbelt at all and those who are wearing a seatbelt improperly or incorrectly adjusted; (b) if yes to (a), how many infringements to date fall into each category; (c) what is the Government’s rationale for imposing the same fine and demerit point penalty for not wearing a seatbelt and for improperly wearing or adjusting a seatbelt; (d) if improper seatbelt use is emerging as a significant road safety issue, what education or public awareness campaigns has the Government implemented, or does it plan to implement, to change this behaviour; (e) now that the AI cameras have been operational for three months, what is the estimated revenue from the cameras for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 financial years; and (f) can the Government guarantee that 100 per cent of the revenue raised from these AI camera seatbelt fines will be directed into the Road Trauma Trust Account to fund road safety projects and programs?

(a-c) Safety cameras do not enforce new laws - rather, they enforce the rules relating to seatbelts in Western Australia that are longstanding and consistent with the Australian Road Rules. A seatbelt is designed to provide protection in a crash when it is both properly adjusted and securely fastened. (d) In June 2024, the Road Safety Commission partnered with the WA Police Force, DFES and St John WA to deliver a campaign highlighting the importance of wearing seatbelts. The Caught in a Flash campaign commenced on 28 September 2025 in order to inform the public about the rollout of the new safety cameras, with a second round of the Caught in a Flash campaign beginning recently with an emphasis on practical advice about wearing seatbelts correctly. Additionally, before enforcement operations relating to the new AI safety cameras began on 8 October 2025, the WA Government undertook an eight-month caution notice period where infringements were not issued. This was aligned with a major public awareness campaign, which included media interviews, TV, print and digital advertising. (e-f) In accordance with Section 12 of the Road Safety Council Act 2002, 100% of the revenue raised from all safety camera infringements is paid into the Road Trauma Trust Account, which can only be spent on road safety measures. Updated revenue estimates will be available in the 2026/27 budget papers.