Question Time

Anzac Highway Bus Lanes

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (14:22): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Police a question regarding bus lanes on Anzac Highway.

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY: The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure began a trial period of setback bus lanes in January this year and finished that trial with the removal of the same lanes in July this year. During this trial, it was iterated that there wouldn't be any fines issued, only cautions—not unlike when bus lanes in the city were introduced. With the trial finished in July this year, and the removal of the bus lanes to occur, there shouldn't have been any fines issued; however, on Channel 7 news last night it was reported that someone was fined on 24 July. In response to the Channel 7 news article, the Minister for Transport said of the issuing of the fine:

It's up to police. I mean they're the ones who handed it out and we have also asked whether there is any possibility that any other fines were handed out before on the same offence.

My questions to the police minister are:

1. What are the processes between DPTI and SAPOL around the communication of changes to road traffic laws?

2. How many cautions were issued for driving in bus lanes during the trial period from January this year until the Minister for Transport announced the removal of the bus lanes?

3. How many fines were issued for driving in the bus lanes during the trial period from January until the Minister for Transport announced the removal of the bus lanes?

The Hon. P. MALINAUSKAS (Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety) (14:23): I am more than happy to confirm that the expiation notices are the responsibility of the police commissioner; he is the authority on this particular issue. I am also happy to confirm that a brief is being sought from SAPOL on this very question, particularly in light of the news that was on Channel 7 last night. As more information comes to hand regarding this particular incident, I am more than happy to share that through taking the question from the honourable member on notice.