The State Government's new AI safety cameras have captured shocking images of unrestrained children.
The images, released on Wednesday, show babies and children sitting on the laps of adult passengers and drivers, along with other illegal driving activities including using a mobile phone and drinking alcohol.
A passenger holding a baby on their lap. PIC: WA Government
“I am stunned by the activities captured through these safety cameras from a small proportion of drivers who still bare no regard for safety," Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said.
“It’s obvious some drivers treat their car like a loungeroom - your vehicle is absolutely not a couch where drivers and passengers can sit back, relax, put your feet up, and have a drink.”
An unrestrained passenger with an unrestrained child on their lap. PIC: WA Government
Despite the risky behaviour from some motorists, new figures have revealed the cameras have proven to be extremely effective in reducing seatbelt, mobile phone and speeding offences.
Since the safety cameras were rolled out in February 2025, seatbelt offences have dropped by 85 per cent, mobile phone offences have dropped by 88 per cent, and speeding has fallen by 51 per cent.
“The Cook Labor Government is seeing a clear improvement in driver behaviour with more Western Australians doing the right thing, making our roads safer," Minister Whitby said.
“The results from these safety cameras so far are clear - they’re saving lives and changing behaviour, strengthening our government’s commitment to keeping our State’s growing community safe."
The cameras were rolled out in February 2025 with enforcement beginning in October following an eight-month caution period.
To date, over 243,000 infringements have been issued to WA drivers, 60,200 of those were for a passenger or driver not wearing a seatbelt correctly.
A driver using his phone with an open beer between his legs. PIC: WA Government
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