More than 60,000 people have been caught using their mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly since new safety cameras were introduced in Perth, Western Australia.
The safety cameras, which have the capability to detect multiple offences simultaneously, including speeding, illegal mobile phone use, and seatbelt offences were turned on in January.
Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said the images sent a clear message about the need to change cultural attitudes around road safety responsibility.
“What we are seeing is evidence that together as a society, we need to take ownership of road safety every time we get behind the wheel,” he said.
“Quite frankly what we’re seeing has been truly disturbing and upsetting – children and babies unrestrained in front seat, people bypassing seatbelt alarms by jerry rigging the driver’s buckle, use of laptops while driving at high speeds.
He added: “The Road Safety Commission, together with WA Police and the Road Safety Minister are committed to targeting poor driver behaviour through behavioural change campaigns and new initiatives like the fixed and mobile safety cameras – but we need the community to wake-up and realise they are part of the solution.”
