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WA Road Toll Crisis: Targeted Education for Repeat Offenders
29 May
Summary
- Western Australia considers targeted programs for repeat traffic offenders.
- New safety cameras on Mitchell Freeway to target seatbelt/phone use.
- Double demerits active over WA Day long weekend to deter risky behavior.
Western Australia is considering implementing targeted driver education programs for repeat offenders in an effort to reduce the state's concerning road toll. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner indicated these diversion programs, focusing on behavior change, are part of a wider review of penalties and are expected to be recommended by 2027. This approach acknowledges that one-size-fits-all solutions are insufficient, with some individuals requiring intensive interventions.
In parallel, the WA government has introduced new safety cameras on the Mitchell Freeway, adding to existing enforcement measures. These cameras, along with others at Karrinyup Road and Vincent Street, will monitor seatbelt and mobile phone usage, with a six-month grace period for warnings in the northern suburbs of Perth. However, speeding offenses detected by these cameras will not be subject to the grace period.
Police are increasing patrols and enforcement activities, including random breath and drug testing, throughout the WA Day long weekend, which features double demerits. Authorities urge drivers to avoid risks, emphasizing that increased police presence and intelligence-led deployments mean a higher likelihood of being caught if laws are broken. Concerns have also been raised regarding AI camera infringements, though the government reports that appeals are successful in a minority of cases.
