The introduction of roadside phone and seat belt detection cameras were meant to be a game-changer for road safety in Australia.

The idea was to use technology to catch and deter drivers from engaging in dangerous road behaviours, like using phones while driving or not wearing seat belts.

Tens of thousands of drivers have been caught in the first nine months since these cameras were rolled out in one Aussie state.

However, recent data raised community members' eyebrows and concerns about the effectiveness of this technology.


According to the Victorian Inspectorate Annual Report 2023-24, there have been doubts about whether the incidents captured on the cameras and passed on to Victoria Police were reviewed correctly.

This revelation suggested that some offenders could be slipping through due to potential system flaws.

Nine mobile and seat belt detection cameras have been deployed around Victoria, which already captured about 83,400 infringements.


The state government claimed that these reports were 100 per cent accurate.

Yet, the Inspectorate's report indicated that rejected photos may not have been 'sufficiently reviewed and accurately assessed'.

This discrepancy led the Victorian opposition to question the system's overall credibility.


Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin emphasised the importance of accuracy in mobile roadside cameras.

'People are more distracted on the roads than ever before. If the cameras that are supposed to detect them are letting people off, then we're going to have a bigger issue moving forward,' Minister Battin said.

'Every Victorian deserves answers.'

This is not the first time the legitimacy of mobile detection cameras has been challenged.


There were numerous instances where drivers successfully contested their fines.

A New South Wales driver had his $410 fine and ten demerit points dropped after an appeal.

The driver argued that the item in his hand could have been anything and not necessarily a phone.

Another driver contested a seat belt fine after he pointed out the grainy photos provided by authorities.

Sydney driver Andy Man also shared similar sentiments.

'There's been plenty of people I know who were mistaken for holding other objects such as wallets, cigarette cases and other objects that were not mobile phones and sadly got punished for holding a mobile phone whilst driving,' he stated.

'We cannot trust these cameras to be 100 per cent accurate or display clear images.'


The controversy surrounding mobile road cameras in Australia has extended beyond their accuracy.

Critics argued that they could also invade the driver's privacy and operate without warning, leading to unwarranted surveillance.

Many view the cameras as a revenue-raising tool rather than a road safety initiative.

As the technology continues to be used across the nation, the balance between road safety and fair enforcement remains a hot topic.
Have you or someone you know had a similar experience with these road cameras? Share your stories or opinions about this matter with us in the comments below.