Canberra motorists have been hit with a staggering $3.1 million in fines during a five-week blitz, as new AI-powered traffic cameras detected thousands of seatbelt offences. The revelation has sparked a wave of disputes, with many drivers insisting the controversial technology is incorrectly penalising them.
Massive Fine Haul in Just Over a Month
The ACT government's fresh enforcement campaign, which began on November 3, utilised five new detection cameras. Two are fixed units on Hindmarsh Drive and Gungahlin Drive, while three are transportable and deployed at unexpected locations across the city's road network. The system is designed to catch both seatbelt violations and mobile phone use.
Between November 3 and December 9, a period of just 36 days, the cameras captured 3,601 seatbelt infringements. According to government figures, these offences carry a total penalty value of $3,189,070. Each infringement typically comes with a $574 fine and three demerit points.
Drivers Fight Back, Claiming AI Errors
While most motorists have paid the fines, a growing number are challenging the penalties, arguing the Artificial Intelligence software is unreliable. A government spokesperson confirmed that 26 fines have been withdrawn following internal reviews. However, a significant number of disputes are escalating, with 180 motorists now set to argue their cases in the ACT Magistrates Court.
Among those caught is the daughter of Pearce resident Rosey Collins. Mrs Collins was a passenger during a drive through Mitchell on the evening of November 8 when a camera on Gungahlin Drive captured the vehicle at 7.50pm. The fine was issued to her daughter for failing to ensure her passenger was properly restrained.
"She feels terrible. She thinks she may have just been adjusting the belt for a second when the camera triggered," said the daughter, who wished to remain anonymous. She has disputed the notice with Access Canberra and is awaiting a decision.
Community Doubt and Social Media Backlash
The scale of the fines has led to widespread scepticism within the community. One Canberran, determined to prove the system is flawed, launched a social media poll on December 12 to gauge how many others felt wrongly fined.
"I don't believe there's almost 3000 people in the ACT since 3 November that haven't worn a seatbelt. I think their camera system may be flawed," he posted. The poll drew significant engagement, with 180 votes recorded quickly. Many respondents claimed their seatbelts were visible in the wide-angle photos provided with the infringement notice but were still penalised.
The controversy is causing significant stress for some drivers. A 47-year-old Tuggeranong woman, fined after being captured on the Monaro Highway on November 25, is adamant she was wearing her seatbelt correctly.
"I'm absolutely stressed and panicked [after the notice] and I can't drive past a camera now without fear of being accused of something that isn't true," she said. Her husband defended her, pointing out the seatbelt was visible in one of the provided images. The driver now plans to install an onboard camera to record her driving as evidence against any future fines she believes will be incorrect.
As the disputes move to court, the debate over the accuracy and fairness of Canberra's new AI traffic enforcement technology is only intensifying, leaving many to question whether the pursuit of road safety is inadvertently punishing careful drivers.
