The New South Wales government has expressed deep shock at the results of the first 21 days of camera-enforced seatbelt usage in the state, with early data revealing a non-compliance rate of roughly 2.5 times higher than what was expected.
More seatbelt offences were detected in the three weeks of camera operations than the total number of seatbelt fines issued by NSW Police in 2023. Three quarters of the detected offences were fore incorrect use of a seatbelt, which attracts a $410 fine and three demerit points.
11,400 occurrences of a $410 fine results in a total figure of almost $4.7 million in fines issued across just three weeks.
At the current rate over 100,000 fines will be issued by seatbelt cameras in the first 12 months of operation, with one in every 700 checked vehicles currently resulting in a fine.
Minister for Roads John Graham has urged all the state’s motorists to ensure they’re buckling up correctly.
“I’m surprised the numbers are so high. We knew there was a problem with seatbelt compliance among a small section of motorists and passengers, but the reality is it is worse than expected and we need this to serve as a wake-up call,” Graham says.
“I want to send the strongest message possible today that if you don’t do it to save yourself a $410 fine and three demerit points, do it for the safety of your loved ones by buckling up every time, and make sure everyone in the car does too.
“The vast majority of the 6.9 million drivers on NSW roads wear a seatbelt every time, but the sad fact is that the small percentage of those who do not are twice as likely to die in a crash and are needlessly making up 15 per cent of all fatalities on our roads.
“We have a rising road toll in NSW and the straightforward act of putting a seatbelt on could save dozens of lives a year.”
In the five years to the end of 2023, 149 people died on NSW roads not wearing a seatbelt.
The legal requirement to use seatbelts came into Australian law over 50 years ago, and Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison says regardless of where you’re driving, you need to buckle up properly.
“Whether you’re in the bush or a big city, on a quiet country road or a major motorway, there is never any excuse not to put on a seatbelt. Many of us grew up being told to ‘click clack front and back’ it’s a message we’re repeating in the wake of these frightening issues,” Aitchison says.
“I also urge everyone to wear their seatbelts properly because we know from tests conducted by the Centre for Road Safety that the impact of wearing a seatbelt under your arm in a crash at 60km/h can cause injuries to the liver, spleen or abdomen which could prove fatal.
“I’m shocked and saddened by what’s emerged after just one month of seatbelt enforcement cameras coming into effect.”
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