Speed camera operator charged over alleged reckless driving in WA's Wheatbelt

A speed camera operator has been charged with reckless driving after allegedly performing a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre in WA's Wheatbelt region, causing an oncoming vehicle to swerve off the road.

Police say the 67-year-old Toodyay man was driving a white Isuzu D-Max utility along Great Eastern Highway around 12pm on Tuesday, September 29, while working near the towns of Tammin and Cunderdin, about 145 kilometres east of Perth.

It is alleged he overtook a road train in a "dangerous and unsafe" manner, forcing an oncoming car to brake and turn onto the shoulder of the road to avoid a head-on collision.

Police have charged the Road Safety Commission employee after an investigation. Police say they began conducting "extensive inquiries", collecting video footage and interviewing drivers involved in the incident.

As a result of that investigation, the Road Safety Commission (RSC) employee was charged with reckless driving, and his speed camera car was impounded. The vehicle was released on October 12 after a request from the RSC, and the man's personal vehicle was impounded in its place.

The man is expected to face Northam Magistrates Court on December 14.

Nobody immune: police chief

In a statement, WA Police reminded drivers to remain patient and exercise caution when overtaking heavy vehicles.

WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the charge proved nobody was immune from the law.

"It doesn't matter who you are, if you conduct yourself on the road in [the] manner that is being alleged here, you'll find yourself before the courts," he said.

He said the incident also demonstrated how useful dashboard camera footage was to police, and urged all drivers who could afford a dash cam to buy one.

"It's very difficult for those who are conducting the reckless behaviour to deny what they've done when we've got vision of it," he said.

The RSC has been contacted for comment.