Mobile phone detection cameras turned on today
Adelaide’s new mobile phone detection cameras are now operational but no fines will be issued to offending drivers yet.
The cameras have been set up on the Southern Expressway in Darlington, South Road at Torrensville, North South Motorway at Regency Park, Port Road at Hindmarsh, and Port Wakefield Road at Gepps Cross.
Police said two other locations were being considered for more cameras expected to be installed next year.
The cameras capture images through the car’s windscreen which are then assessed by artificial intelligence software to identify those on their phones. Police then validate the photos.
While the cameras will begin recording from today there is a three-month grace period, meaning drivers caught on their phones will receive a warning until September 19 when fines will be handed out.
Fines are set at $540 and three demerit points, with an additional $99 Victims of Crime levy.
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Testing started at four locations in April after a single-lane trial of the technology in 2023 saw 4955 incidents recorded from April 1 to April 28.
From April 19 to June 16 this year during the testing stage, 71,044 incidents of phones being used by drivers were detected
The RAA said more than 31,000 drivers had been caught using their mobile phones while driving over the last five years, equating to over $13 million in fines.
Over 70,000 drivers were caught using their phones during the camera trials. Photo: SAPOLStay informed, daily
RAA senior manager for road safety Charles Mountain said the cameras would serve as “a timely reminder for drivers not to ever be tempted to touch their phone when they’re driving”.
“You’re four times more likely to be involved in a crash while using a mobile phone – so it’s best to put your device away completely until you reach your destination,” he said.
“If you want to use GPS or navigation on your phone, the Australian Road Rules makes it clear that your phone needs to be secured in a cradle that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose and is affixed to the vehicle – nor should it obstruct your visibility.”
Superintendent Darren Fielke, officer in charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Support Branch, said drivers caught by police using other phones would still be fined during the grace period, which only applies to the cameras.
“Our message to drivers is simple; leave your phone alone while driving. We all need to break the habit of reaching for our phone every time it rings, beeps, or pings,” Fielke said.
“Using a mobile phone while driving increases a driver’s crash risk by at least four times. The risk increases in high-volume traffic areas, where inattention and distraction contribute to a greater number of collisions.”
The cameras are part of a $15.9 million state government investment aimed at improving road safety.
