WA Police: Minister Paul Papalia unveils new speed cameras

Western Australia Police have unveiled what they call the “Swiss Army knife” of speed cameras in a bid to stop these dangerous habits.

Police in one Australian state have a new tool at their disposal for targeting bad drivers.

Western Australian Police say new cameras, dubbed the “Swiss Army knife’ of speed cameras, will be able to catch people texting while driving and not wearing seatbelts.

Road Safety Minister Paul Papalia said the cameras would be particularly useful in regional WA, where two-thirds of road deaths occur.

“It’s a unique capability, it’s a big step forward for us here in Western Australia,” Mr Papalia said.

But he said no fines would be issued during a trial period and said laws would need to be changed to prosecute drivers caught by the new cameras.

Road Safety Minister Paul Papalia said the cameras would give police added powers to nail bad drivers. Picture: AAP Image/Tony McDonough

Six of the cameras will be trialled.

WA Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner said the cameras were an added deterrent.

“What people are telling us is that they’re not scared enough because they’re not seeing enough cameras,” Mr Warner said.

Originally published as WA Police: Minister Paul Papalia unveils new speed cameras