❓ I refer to the answer to question without notice 115 regarding a “fulsome review of the legislation, processes and systems governing driving offences”, and I ask: (a) what issues prompted the fulsome
AnsweredQoN 1376Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the answer to question without notice 115 regarding a “fulsome review of the legislation, processes and systems governing driving offences”, and I ask: (a) what issues prompted the fulsome review; (b) who is conducting the review; (c) when will the review be completed; (d) what public education or campaigns specifically on incorrect seatbelt wearing and associated fines were undertaken before the AI road safety cameras were launched; (e) what public education or campaigns specifically on incorrect seatbelt wearing and associated fines have been implemented since; and (f) is it the case that drivers will continue to be fined for incorrect passenger seatbelt use, even where they have taken honest and reasonable steps to monitor their passengers during a trip, while the review is underway?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 May 2026
Responded by
Minister for the Environment representing the Minister for Road Safety
Response time
3 days
(a) On 14 December 2025, the Government announced a review of penalties and flexible infringement policies to identify how good drivers can be rewarded including caution notices for those who try to do the right thing, and tougher penalties for bad drivers to ensure safety on Western Australian roads.
(b) The Road Safety Commission is leading the review and is working with relevant other agencies including Police, Transport and Justice.
(c) There is no deadline for the review however, where it is feasible, changes will be implemented as soon as is possible. Many changes will require legislative change, and most will require changes to administrative processes, ICT systems, and community engagement, which will impact timeframes.
(d) Significant efforts and resources were applied to ensuring the community was aware of the capabilities of the new safety cameras prior to the commencement of enforcement operations on 8 October 2025 including the "Caught in a Flash" Campaign which ran from 28 August to 18 October 2025
(e) As part of its ongoing operations, the Road Safety Commission has continued to distribute road safety messaging and information about seatbelt use through its social media and targeted digital media channels. The Caught in a Flash campaign is currently in market state-wide for a second time, and has a focus on the incorrect use of seatbelts, and the associated penalties.
(f) The current laws whereby drivers are responsible for passengers wearing seatbelts have been in place for many years. Infringements for offences detected by safety cameras are issued where a human reviewer assesses that the evidence supports this action. Everyone who receives a camera detected infringement has the right to:
I. an administrative review
II. Have the matter dealt with by the courts
(b) The Road Safety Commission is leading the review and is working with relevant other agencies including Police, Transport and Justice.
(c) There is no deadline for the review however, where it is feasible, changes will be implemented as soon as is possible. Many changes will require legislative change, and most will require changes to administrative processes, ICT systems, and community engagement, which will impact timeframes.
(d) Significant efforts and resources were applied to ensuring the community was aware of the capabilities of the new safety cameras prior to the commencement of enforcement operations on 8 October 2025 including the "Caught in a Flash" Campaign which ran from 28 August to 18 October 2025
(e) As part of its ongoing operations, the Road Safety Commission has continued to distribute road safety messaging and information about seatbelt use through its social media and targeted digital media channels. The Caught in a Flash campaign is currently in market state-wide for a second time, and has a focus on the incorrect use of seatbelts, and the associated penalties.
(f) The current laws whereby drivers are responsible for passengers wearing seatbelts have been in place for many years. Infringements for offences detected by safety cameras are issued where a human reviewer assesses that the evidence supports this action. Everyone who receives a camera detected infringement has the right to:
I. an administrative review
II. Have the matter dealt with by the courts
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