Canberra’s new AI-powered cameras handed out seatbelt fines to 3,600 drivers in just five weeks, resulting in hundreds of appeals and growing concerns the technology is faulty.
ACT Government data shows that 3,601 infringements were issued by the five new cameras between November 3 and December 9, totalling $3,189,070 in fines. 180 drivers have escalated their fine disputes to court, and another 26 were withdrawn following internal reviews.
The $574 fines were given to motorists caught by three transportable cameras and two fixed on Hindmarsh Drive and Gungahlin Drive, but some have since come forward to argue they were fined in error.
One woman, 47, from Tuggeranong, told The Canberra Times she was wrongly fined, and is now “absolutely stressed and panicked”, while her husband insisted she was wearing a seatbelt at the time.
“I can’t drive past a camera now without fear of being accused of something that isn’t true,” she said.
“My wife had received a fine, and I know for sure she always wears her seatbelt. You can even see it in one of the pictures, but not in the closer pictures. You can see the sun visor down, and the seatbelt comes from top left side,” her husband said.
Another driver from Pearce, who received three demerit points for not ensuring her daughter in the passenger seat was properly restrained, has disputed the infringement, saying she may have been adjusting the belt for a second while they passed the camera.
One concerned local started poll in a local Facebook group, writing: “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.”
It attracted almost 200 responses from people who claimed to be have been fined despite knowing “100%” they were wearing a seatbelt. 38% said they were fined despite it being clear from the photo they were wearing a seatbelt, 29% said they had a seatbelt on but it wasn’t visible to the camera, 11% said they disputed and won, and 22% said they disputed and lost.
Header image: The AI camera photo that resulted in a driver losing demerit points (supplied).
