Based on available data, approximately 12,770 drivers are projected to be fined across NSW and Queensland during the 2025 Easter long weekend, with new AI camera technology expected to significantly boost detection rates compared to previous years.
Predicted Fine Numbers for Easter 2025
In 2024, NSW police issued 5,700 speeding fines, 500 mobile phone fines, and 500 seatbelt fines, totalling 6,700 fines during Easter. In Queensland, police issued 3,942 traffic infringements during the 2023 Easter period. With the rollout of AI-powered cameras, a conservative 20% increase in detection is expected, resulting in approximately 8,040 fines in NSW and 4,730 in Queensland, a combined estimate of 12,770 fines.
Impact of New AI Technology
The jump in detection rates is supported by recent implementations:
- In Western Australia, new AI-powered cameras launched in January 2025 caught over 60,000 drivers in their first few months. These cameras detect illegal phone use, seatbelt violations, and speeding, with significant portions of drivers fined for mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
- Similar AI camera systems in Victoria detected 53,105 offences over six months, split between seatbelt and mobile phone violations.
Double Demerit Periods
Double demerits are in effect in NSW and ACT from April 17–21, 2025, covering key offences such as speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations Western Australia also enforces double demerits during this period, while Queensland applies double demerits year round for repeat offences.
Current Road Safety Context
This crackdown comes amid troubling road safety statistics. March 2025 saw 41 deaths on NSW roads, the highest monthly toll since 2019. Nationally, the road toll reached 1,292 deaths in the 12 months to February 2025, up 1.6% from the previous year. In Queensland, 15 people have died on roads since the start of the April 2025 school holidays.
Enforcement Focus
Police are targeting the "Fatal Five": speeding, drink and drug driving, distraction (especially mobile phone use), not wearing seatbelts, and other critical road rule breaches. The introduction of AI technology marks a significant shift in enforcement, with authorities and technology providers emphasizing prevention and road safety, not just prosecution.
With the Easter long weekend coinciding with ANZAC Day and many Australians taking extended breaks, authorities are preparing for heavy traffic, especially in regions still recovering from recent severe weather
The combination of double demerits, increased police presence, and advanced AI camera enforcement is set to result in a record number of fines this Easter, with over 12,000 drivers in NSW and Queensland alone likely to be penalised for traffic offences
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Gow
