In a significant move towards road safety, the Western Australian government introduced AI traffic cameras statewide in October 2025, aiming to mitigate unsafe driving behaviours, including seatbelt violations, speeding, and mobile phone use while driving. However, the implementation of these systems has sparked considerable controversy among residents, particularly regarding the penalties associated with seatbelt offences.
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Since their introduction, the AI cameras have issued an estimated 36,000 infringement notices. Many individuals have expressed frustration, claiming that fines, especially for seatbelt-related violations, are often unjust. Critics argue that children in the back seat often shift their seatbelts momentarily, which can lead to unwarranted penalties. In some cases, parents have reported receiving fines when there was little they could do to rectify these situations while driving.
Elli Figomnari, a disability support worker, is among those who have felt the brunt of this new enforcement. Figomnari, who transports neurodivergent adults, has received four infringement notices since the cameras became operational. She shared her concerns with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), stating that the potential loss of her driving privileges would severely impact her responsibilities as a single mother and a caregiver. “It’s beyond nerve-wracking. My work means everything to me, and my clients depend on me,” she explained.
Meanwhile, Ross Taylor, a grandfather, recounted a troubling experience in which his daughter was fined around $385 when a camera detected that her young child was not wearing their seatbelt correctly for a brief moment. Taylor highlighted that such lapses are often beyond a driver’s control, especially when they are focused on the road. “If one of the children slips that shoulder strap just down for a moment, generally you don’t even see it. And that’s what happened to us in that minute,” he noted, defending the actions of his daughter who makes safety a priority.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has acknowledged the public’s concerns and indicated that residents may appeal fines under “exceptional circumstances.” She noted that she has personally heard many accounts from individuals dissatisfied with the seatbelt penalties. “I’ve heard it first hand from a lot of people who have had fines from the seatbelt issue,” she said.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner endorsed the idea that the AI cameras could encourage safer driving habits, asserting that the knowledge of being monitored often compels individuals to modify their behaviour. However, he has also recognised the limitations of automated systems. “It’s hard for cameras to exercise discretion,” he said, emphasising the need for a fair and sensible approach regarding these offences.
As the criticism mounts, the Western Australian Road Safety Commission has announced that they are currently reviewing the penalty process associated with these infringements. The aim of the review is to balance the need for road safety with the realities that drivers face, especially in situations beyond their control.
The Ministry of Transportation and the Road Safety Commission have yet to respond to requests for further comment on the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of the AI camera system. As the review progresses, it remains to be seen how the government will address the widespread concerns from residents and whether any adjustments to the enforcement measures will be made.
Awareness of road safety is a paramount goal, but balancing this with fairness and common sense in enforcement measures will be critical to maintaining public confidence in the system. The unfolding discussions in Western Australia may set a precedent for the use of AI in traffic enforcement across the country, highlighting the importance of integrating technology with a mindful approach to human behaviour.