Western Australia Police have announced that hundreds of fines issued through AI-assisted traffic cameras are being dropped following a review of the technology and enforcement process. The issue has attracted attention across Perth and wider Western Australia, where the cameras have been used to detect potential seatbelt offences.

The AI-assisted camera system is designed to identify possible breaches involving drivers and passengers. Images captured by the cameras can then be reviewed as part of the enforcement process. However, police have acknowledged difficulties in proving an important element of some alleged offences — whether the driver knew that a passenger was wearing their seatbelt incorrectly.

As a result, WA Police have decided that hundreds of fines should be withdrawn. The decision highlights the difference between technology identifying a possible offence and authorities being able to establish all the required elements of that offence.

The development is significant because automated enforcement systems are increasingly being used to improve road safety and detect dangerous behaviour. While cameras can capture images and identify potential breaches, those images still need to be assessed within the relevant legal framework.

For motorists who received affected fines, the withdrawal means they may no longer be required to pay the penalties covered by the police review. The decision also raises questions about how AI-assisted enforcement should be used and how evidence collected by automated systems should be assessed.

WA Police continue to emphasise the importance of proper seatbelt use. Seatbelts remain a major road-safety measure, and drivers are responsible for ensuring passengers comply with relevant safety requirements.

The review does not mean that all seatbelt-camera fines in Western Australia have been cancelled. The reported decision concerns fines where police determined they could not establish the necessary evidence regarding the driver's knowledge of a passenger's incorrect seatbelt use.

Authorities are expected to continue examining the operation of AI-assisted traffic cameras and how evidence from the technology is processed.

The issue also demonstrates the importance of human review when artificial intelligence is used in enforcement. Technology can assist police by identifying potential offences, but legal decisions still require appropriate evidence and assessment.

For Perth motorists, the announcement provides an important update on the current operation of seatbelt enforcement cameras in WA.