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Fixed and mobile speed safety cameras are used in conjunction with a digital back-office software application to process evidence gathered by the cameras. The types of cameras used are:

Fixed site (and mobile) speed safety cameras

These cameras use laser technology to track and detect vehicle speed. They can be operated on a tripod in a vehicle or trailer or in a road-side cabinet.

They are able to track several vehicles across multiple lanes simultaneously.

Red-light/speed cameras

These cameras are located at traffic light-controlled intersections and photograph motorists who disregard red traffic lights and/or speed through the intersection at any phase of the lights.

Red-light incidents are triggered when a vehicle is detected moving over the sensor or wired detection of light phases. Once the light phase has changed to red, the video is used to confirm the vehicle continued through the intersection.

Speed is detected using in-road sensors and/or tracking radar. If the vehicle's speed is greater than the posted speed limit, a photograph and video of the vehicle is captured.

Laser based speed detection

These cameras can monitor up to six (6) lanes of traffic simultaneously and all speeding vehicles traveling adjacent to each other can be tracked and captured.

During deployment, the operator monitors the device and remains in constant communication with the Police Operations Centre. The sites are also regularly attended by police officers.

Handheld speed measurement device

These devices capture the speed of vehicle, returning an accurate speed reading.

The officer using the handheld speed device is responsible for testing the unit prior to and after an operation to ensure the device is operating correctly. The device is also calibrated annually.

The criteria for the selection of all mobile speed camera locations is:

• speed related fatal or serious crashes
• speed related complaints made to police
• school zones
• locations where more than 15% of road users exceed the posted speed limit.
   

Red-light/speed cameras are installed at selected locations based on an analysis of the number of 'right angle' and 'right turn through' crashes at a traffic control light intersection as well as crash severity and traffic volumes.

Not every intersection is suitable for a red-light/speed camera.

Fixed site cameras are installed at selected locations based on analysis of the number and location of speed related crashes with a focus on crashes that resulted in death or serious injury.

The WA Police Force has in place strict requirements for the accuracy of speed and red-light cameras.

All devices are assessed, tested and re-calibrated every 12 months. Additionally, the WA Police Force engage independent National Association of Testing Authorities accredited resources to conduct regular end-to-end system tests.

Regular speed comparison testing is conducted at red-light/speed camera sites. Speed accuracy, reliability and sensor tests are also performed by comparing a test vehicle's displayed speed (using an accurate calibrated speedometer display) and matching it with the speed shown on the camera measurement device.

Additionally, the camera operator is responsible for testing the unit prior to and after an operation to ensure the device is operating correctly.

Speed measurement tolerance

The WA Police Force apply the manufacturers equipment speed tolerance to all enforcements.

Tolerance is the difference between the speed detected by a speed camera and the speed at which police allege the driver was travelling.

The difference always favours the driver and is applied to allow for drivers who inadvertently exceed the speed by a small amount for a short period and to cover any measurement variations.

All money collected from speed and red-light camera infringements goes into the Road Trauma Trust Fund and is spent on various road safety programs such as community education and improving road safety coordination.