The world’s first mobile phone detection cameras will be rolled out in New South Wales, Australia, by the end of the year to crack down on drivers illegally using their phones.
During a recent six-month Government pilot using the safety technology more than 8.5 million vehicles were checked and 100,000 drivers were found to be using their phones illegally.
“Unfortunately some people haven’t received the message and think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence,” said Minister for Roads Andrew Constance.
“There is strong community support for more enforcement to stop illegal mobile phone use with 80 per cent of people we surveyed supporting use of the mobile phone detection cameras.”
Independent modelling has shown that the cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years.
The program will operate in warning letter mode for the first three months with drivers being fined $344 and five demerit points afterwards.
The cameras will include fixed and relocatable trailer-mounted versions. The transportable cameras will move across a network of locations state-wide and will be capable of targeting illegal mobile phone use anywhere and at any time.
