The controversy surrounding AI-powered road cameras in Western Australia has sparked a fierce backlash from drivers, with many labeling the fines as "unfair" and demanding immediate reforms. This issue has gained momentum over the past few weeks, as drivers share their stories of hefty fines and demerit points, leaving them feeling aggrieved and seeking justice.
One such story involves Paul Ferry, a WA father who was driving with his elderly mother when she momentarily removed her seatbelt to speak to the children in the back seat. This innocent action was captured by the state's new AI cameras, resulting in a $550 fine and eight demerit points for Mr. Ferry. His mother, deeply upset, has been in tears ever since.
But here's where it gets controversial: the current system in WA operates under strict liability for camera-detected seatbelt offenses. This means drivers can be penalized regardless of their intent or awareness, a rule that many find unjust.
Another case involves Elli Figomnari, a disability support worker, who received four infringement notices due to her neurodivergent client's repeated seatbelt breaches. Elli, with an otherwise clean record, now faces the potential loss of her license.
And this is the part most people miss: across Australia, other states are facing similar backlashes. In NSW, AI-assisted traffic enforcement cameras raked in over $100 million in fines during 2024-2025, with a significant portion of these fines related to mobile phone use and seatbelt noncompliance.
Avinash Singh, a criminal lawyer at Astor Legal, has noticed a growing trend of drivers contesting AI-detected fines, especially for alleged mobile phone use. He highlights the unreliability of AI cameras in detecting mobile phone use, often mistaking other objects for phone cameras. Examples include wallets, glasses cases, and battery packs being misinterpreted as phones.
Mr. Singh emphasizes that while transport authorities claim human review of images before issuing fines, drivers still have the right to challenge penalties they believe are incorrect. To do so, drivers must elect the fine to court without paying and then present their case, with the help of a criminal defense lawyer, to argue why the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the AI-based image shows a mobile phone.
The question remains: are these AI-powered cameras an effective tool for road safety, or are they unfairly targeting drivers? What are your thoughts on this controversial issue? Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
