The WA Government is reforming road safety initiatives to significantly improve road safety. It follows an $80 million investment by the Cook Government to target dangerous driving behaviour, whilst introducing rewards for drivers who consistently do the right thing.
The comprehensive package includes a major expansion of safety camera technology, increased road safety advertising, and a review of penalty systems that could result in good drivers receiving caution notices rather than immediate fines. The announcement comes after a successful eight-month trial period for new mobile phone, seatbelt, and speed-detecting cameras demonstrated significant behaviour change across the state.
“We want to change the behaviour of bad drivers with tougher penalties whilst also recognising drivers with a good history to make Western Australian roads safer,” Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said.
“We know that most drivers do the right thing, which is why we’re undertaking a review of penalties.”
Six new camera trailers to detect mobile phone and seatbelt misuse
The most visible component of the investment will be $20 million allocated to expanding the safety camera program. This includes six new mobile safety camera trailers capable of detecting mobile phone and seatbelt misuse, which will be deployed across Western Australia.
Four new pairs of fixed point-to-point average speed zone cameras will be installed on major roads and highways connecting metropolitan and regional areas. Indian Ocean Drive and Great Eastern Highway are being investigated as potential locations for these cameras, which monitor average speed over distance rather than at a single point.
The expansion also includes 32 near-miss cameras and 100 “smiley face” cameras, with particular focus on school zones to protect children and families. All revenue from these new safety cameras will be directed to the Road Trauma Trust Account, which funds road safety initiatives across the state.
Rewarding good drivers with flexible penalties
A $2.5 million allocation will support a comprehensive review of penalties and flexible infringement policies. The review will explore how drivers with good histories can be rewarded, including the potential for caution notices for those genuinely trying to comply with road rules.
The initiative recognises that most drivers do the right thing, as Minister Whitby said, “Drivers who try to do the right thing should not be treated the same as dangerous drivers and high frequency, repeat offenders.”
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure will receive additional funding to hire more staff to process the expected increase in infringements, with a particular focus on targeting high-harm, high-frequency offenders. Five million dollars has been allocated specifically to increase capabilities for infringement processing.
Major investment in education and road upgrades
Beyond enforcement technology, the package includes $27 million for road safety advertising, community education, and public awareness campaigns. This funding will support partnerships with community organisations to improve safety at a grassroots level, emphasising education alongside enforcement.
Twenty-five million dollars will continue the Cook Government’s road safety upgrade programs, including the Regional Road Safety Program and the Safer Roads and Bridges Program. These initiatives protect all road users through roadworks such as resurfacing, widening, and installing audible edge lines.
“Road improvements play a critical role in reducing the number of single-vehicle run-off-road crashes, one of the leading causes of death and serious injury on regional WA roads,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
Evidence-based approach to saving lives
The investment builds on proven success, with research demonstrating that safety cameras effectively change behaviour and reduce risk on roads. Over the past 10 years, more than $1 billion has been invested from the Road Trauma Trust Account into making Western Australian roads safer.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport Jessica Stojkovski emphasised the comprehensive nature of the approach: “This $80 million investment is about using the best technology, smarter enforcement, and stronger education to save lives.”
“From school zones to highways, this is about protecting our communities by targeting dangerous behaviour on WA roads.”
Early indications from the recent camera trial period suggest drivers are already changing their behaviour, though officials stress that some continue to ignore the law. The expanded camera network and enhanced penalty system aim to maintain positive behaviour change while ensuring that those who repeatedly break road rules face appropriate consequences.
