The newer speed cameras being installed in Western Australia not only detect speeders, but also distracted drivers and those not wearing seat belts.
The first mobile point-to-point road safety cameras in Australia will be installed in and around Perth as part of a $1.5 million three-month study.
Six pairs of cameras will assess the average speeds of cars over a long distance, making it more likely that drivers who only slow down when they see a camera will be detected.
The lenses – dubbed the Swiss Army Knives of Camera’s – also have the ability to zoom inside a vehicle to detect if motorists are texting or not buckled up.
However, as legislation would need to be established to do this, the cameras won’t be used directly to issue infringements during the experiment.
They will first be evaluated for acceptability, but police can use the information to pinpoint the locations of specific crimes by using the data.
Road Safety Minister for West Australia, Paul Papalia, warned that police will be notified of any pictures displaying particularly risky behavior.
‘Speed, inattention and not wearing a seatbelt are all contributors to trauma on our roads, so I am pleased to trial Australian-first technology that can detect all three of these high-risk behaviours anywhere, anytime,’ Mr Papalia told The West Australian newspaper.
He described the new technology as the ‘Swiss Army Knife of road safety cameras which will act as a deterrent.
‘While no infringements will be issued, I hope the trial prompts people to think twice before they take a risk that could cost them, or someone else their life, he said.
The cameras, which were created by Australian company Acusensus, will be sent out to regions within 200km of Perth.
‘With more than 70 per cent of the road fatalities this year occurring in regional areas, a key focus of the trial is testing the safety cameras on a range of regional roads, particularly those where people have sadly lost their lives,’ Mr Papalia said.
Fixed point to point safety cameras are already in operation in New South Wales and Queensland.
‘We’ve seen new camera technology result in promising reductions in fatalities in other states and I am proud to build on this, and take the lead in safety camera technology with this trial,’ Mr Papalia said.
The cutting-edge smart cameras can capture an infinite number of automobiles with a focus on every vehicle that passes by and use artificial intelligence to identify offenses.
The WA government has pledged to remove any pictures that do not depict offensive behavior.
When compared to the five-year average, the number of persons in WA who suffered significant injuries while not wearing a seatbelt climbed by almost 25% last year.
If minors are not secured, the punishment for not wearing a seatbelt in WA increases to $1,050.
A $500 fine and three demerit points are assessed for using a cell phone while driving, which includes merely touching it.
Drivers using a mobile as streaming service while driving cop a $1000 fine and four demerit points.