Media Release | 8 October 2025
Hon. Julie Freeman MLC
Shadow Minister for Road Safety
Shadow Minister for Road Safety and Nationals WA MLC Julie Freeman has welcomed the end of the grace period for Western Australia’s new AI speed cameras but says the Cook Labor Government must now prove the technology will make a real difference to the State’s worsening road toll.
“The Cook Labor Government has spent months talking about these cameras, but while it delayed enforcement, more lives have been lost on our roads,” Ms Freeman said.
“I have been calling for earlier action because every week of inaction meant preventable deaths and injuries.
“The Government’s slow rollout and extended grace period sent the wrong message that road safety isn’t an urgent priority.”
Ms Freeman said the ongoing rise in fatalities, particularly in regional Western Australia, shows that stronger measures are urgently needed.
“Regional people continue to be overrepresented in our road toll, and yet we’re still waiting to see a comprehensive plan from this Government.
“These AI cameras can help, but technology alone won’t solve the problem,” she said.
“The Government must back enforcement with education, community engagement, and a serious commitment to road safety funding.”
Ms Freeman urged the Government to ensure the new cameras are part of a broader, long-term strategy that changes driver behaviour and addresses the unique challenges faced by regional communities.
“Every West Australian deserves to get home safely, and that starts with a government that takes road safety seriously.”
ENDS
