WA rolls out ‘mobile’ waterside speed cameras

The WA government introduced fixed CCTV cameras at several of Perth’s boating hotspots in 2018 in an effort to encourage boaters to obey 8.0-knot speed limits and discourage hooning.

Since their installation, the number of fines handed out after footage was reviewed from cameras at Belmont, Narrows Bridge, Deep Water Point and Point Walter has halved to just 111 compared with last summer, the WA Transport Department said.

However, it wasn’t all good news; While the department said the overall results were “extremely positive”, the standout was an increase in the number of tickets issued for speeding on the Swan Canning Riverpark, jumping from just 15 last summer to 28 for this one.

But now the department has rolled out two new mobile cameras that can redeploy to wherever they’re needed. Currently based at East Street in Fremantle and Point reserve in Bassendean, the cameras have already helped officers issue another 75 fines.

"The introduction of CCTV, allowing constant monitoring of on-water activities, has been the catalyst for improved boating behaviour and resulted in safer waterways for all users this summer,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.

"The statistics show the safety initiative has been extremely effective and delivered a positive outcome for the wider community,” she said.

"The recent introduction of mobile CCTV units and expansion of speed radar signs that show skippers the speed they are travelling at and slow down if needed, are sure to deliver further improvements and safer behaviour on the water."

To help boaters know they are being watched, the WA Transport Department also has increased the number of radar speed signs.

The WA Government introduced a trial of waterside interactive speed signs on the Swan River at East Fremantle in April last year to help boaters manage their pace in speed-restricted zones.