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New speed cameras to combat speeding WA motorcyclists

AAPEastern Reporter

WA motorcyclists are being targeted with new mobile speed cameras that capture high-quality images of both the front and rear of bikes.

Until now, only red light speed cameras at some intersections and fixed speed cameras on the freeway have been able to capture rear registration plates.

The new cameras are fitted to cars that can be parked on the side of the road, with a vehicle’s speed read from the front and a photograph taken from the back.

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Licence plates were removed from the front of motorcycles about 35 years ago amid concerns they could severely injure riders in accidents.

WA Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said 25 motorcyclists had been killed and 19 seriously injured in crashes this year, with speed a factor in many of the incidents.

Ms Roberts said the new technology closed a loophole and motorcyclists were being put on notice.

“This is about saving lives,” she said.

All 28 mobile speed cameras will be replaced with the new technology by the end of June, with three already operating and catching some speeding motorcyclists.

WA Police Commander Scott Higgins estimated hundreds of motorcyclists had been getting away with speeding every year.

“To those people, we’re saying to them, your chances of getting caught are much higher now,” he said.

Commander Higgins said other states used similar technology but it was not configured in the same way as WA.