More than $1 million worth of fines issued by Western Australia’s new AI‑assisted road safety cameras have been withdrawn in the six months since the technology was introduced, the state government has confirmed.
The cameras which automatically detect potential mobile phone and seatbelt offences have been controversial since they began issuing penalties to tens of thousands of drivers in October last year. Similar systems are now in use across most Australian states.
WA Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said more than 53,000 seatbelt infringements had been issued in the first six months. Of those, around 2,000 fines have since been cancelled by the Department of Transport, amounting to at least $1.1 million in withdrawn penalties.
The cancellations have intensified public frustration over the accuracy and fairness of the AI‑driven system, which has faced criticism from motorists and civil liberties groups since rollout.
Authorities maintain the cameras are essential for improving road safety, but the volume of withdrawn fines is likely to fuel calls for greater oversight and transparency.
+ There are no comments
Add yours