Drivers face $658 penalties as new innovative detection technology goes live
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A new wave of technology is being rolled out to ensure driver safety, but it could also hurt your wallet if you're not careful.
Advanced systems like motion phone detection cameras and automated traffic enforcement monitor our roads more closely than ever.
These innovations aim to reduce distractions and enhance compliance with traffic laws, ultimately creating safer driving environments.
In South Australia, a new set of eyes is watching from above, and they're not the forgiving kind.
Mobile phone detection cameras, which have been testing since June, are now fully operational and ready to issue hefty fines to those caught using their phones while driving.
The cameras, which have been discreetly installed in various locations, including Torrensville, Darlington, Regency Park, Gapps Cross, and Hindmarsh, are part of a significant push to curb the dangerous habit of using mobile phones while driving.
During the trial phase, drivers caught by these cameras were sent warning letters, but the consequences will be much more severe from now on.
If you're caught using your mobile phone while driving, you'll face a substantial $658 fine, including a $102 levy to support South Australia’s Victims of Crime program.
This is no small sum, especially for those with fixed incomes or who manage tight budgets. Moreover, the fine comes with a penalty of three demerit points, which could lead to losing your driving licence.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has clarified that there will be no apologies for those who lose their licences due to demerit points.
‘We make no apologies if someone loses their licence through demerit points.’ he said.
In just two months, the cameras recorded over 71,000 instances of mobile phone use—roughly one in every 100 cars.
‘The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming,’ South Australian Police Superintendent Darren Fielke commented.
‘The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads.’
Distraction contributes to up to 30 per cent of all serious car accidents.
Last year, South Australia experienced its deadliest period on the roads in recent history, with a 61.4 per cent increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
It's important to remember that it's illegal to use a mobile phone while operating a vehicle unless it's through a Bluetooth headset, headphones, or in-car audio.
‘It is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle,’ SA Police noted.
The technology behind these cameras is quite advanced. Mounted in elevated positions, they peer down through windscreens, capturing images of drivers in the act.
Artificial intelligence then sifts through these images, and any potential offences are reviewed by authorised personnel.
New South Wales was the pioneer in this technology, with their program becoming fully operational in March 2020.
Since then, they've conducted 135 million checks annually, and the fines there are just as steep, with additional demerit points during double demerit periods.
‘Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $387, or $514 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points,’ the NRMA exclaimed.
‘This will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.’
Mobile phone detection cameras are not deployed in Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
These cameras also monitor drivers and front-seat passengers in certain areas to ensure they wear seatbelts.
Have you had any experiences with these new mobile phone detection cameras? Do you have some tips on how to avoid the temptation of using your phone while driving? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below.
Advanced systems like motion phone detection cameras and automated traffic enforcement monitor our roads more closely than ever.
These innovations aim to reduce distractions and enhance compliance with traffic laws, ultimately creating safer driving environments.
In South Australia, a new set of eyes is watching from above, and they're not the forgiving kind.
Mobile phone detection cameras, which have been testing since June, are now fully operational and ready to issue hefty fines to those caught using their phones while driving.
New mobile phone detection cameras in South Australia issued $658 fines for drivers using their phones. Credit: Shutterstock
The cameras, which have been discreetly installed in various locations, including Torrensville, Darlington, Regency Park, Gapps Cross, and Hindmarsh, are part of a significant push to curb the dangerous habit of using mobile phones while driving.
During the trial phase, drivers caught by these cameras were sent warning letters, but the consequences will be much more severe from now on.
If you're caught using your mobile phone while driving, you'll face a substantial $658 fine, including a $102 levy to support South Australia’s Victims of Crime program.
This is no small sum, especially for those with fixed incomes or who manage tight budgets. Moreover, the fine comes with a penalty of three demerit points, which could lead to losing your driving licence.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has clarified that there will be no apologies for those who lose their licences due to demerit points.
‘We make no apologies if someone loses their licence through demerit points.’ he said.
In just two months, the cameras recorded over 71,000 instances of mobile phone use—roughly one in every 100 cars.
‘The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming,’ South Australian Police Superintendent Darren Fielke commented.
‘The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads.’
Distraction contributes to up to 30 per cent of all serious car accidents.
Last year, South Australia experienced its deadliest period on the roads in recent history, with a 61.4 per cent increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
It's important to remember that it's illegal to use a mobile phone while operating a vehicle unless it's through a Bluetooth headset, headphones, or in-car audio.
‘It is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle,’ SA Police noted.
The technology behind these cameras is quite advanced. Mounted in elevated positions, they peer down through windscreens, capturing images of drivers in the act.
Artificial intelligence then sifts through these images, and any potential offences are reviewed by authorised personnel.
New South Wales was the pioneer in this technology, with their program becoming fully operational in March 2020.
Since then, they've conducted 135 million checks annually, and the fines there are just as steep, with additional demerit points during double demerit periods.
‘Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $387, or $514 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points,’ the NRMA exclaimed.
‘This will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.’
Mobile phone detection cameras are not deployed in Western Australia or the Northern Territory.
These cameras also monitor drivers and front-seat passengers in certain areas to ensure they wear seatbelts.
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