Fines soar to $30 million as Australia cracks down on mobile phone while driving—are you next?
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Mobile phone use behind the wheel has been a growing concern, especially with the rise of high-tech surveillance on Australian roads.
What started as a simple measure to curb distractions has turned into a shocking reality, with millions in fines already issued.
But how effective are these new detection methods, and are drivers finally getting the message? Let’s dive into the details.
More than 47,000 South Australian drivers were caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel in just six months, racking up a staggering $30 million in fines.
The new high-tech detection cameras, which were installed at five locations around Adelaide, have played a pivotal role in identifying offenders.
Police Minister Stephen Mullighan called the level of mobile phone use ‘unacceptably high’ and praised the effectiveness of the cameras.
‘Looking at your mobile phone while you're driving rather than watching the road – you might as well be driving blindfolded,’ Mullighan said.
The North-South Motorway at Regency Park recorded the highest number of offences, with almost 13,000 drivers fined.
Not far behind were the South Road at Torrensville, Southern Expressway, and Port Road locations.
Port Wakefield Road at Gepps Cross had the fewest offences.
Although the fines were issued at a rapid rate initially, there was a noticeable slowdown in the number of drivers caught as time went on.
Supt Shane Johnson from SA Police said this slowdown indicated that drivers were starting to realise the dangers of distractions.
Despite this, some drivers continued to flout the rules.
Over 600 individuals were caught using their phones multiple times, with one driver receiving an incredible 41 fines.
‘We have an ongoing investigation into that driver,’ Johnson said.
By the end of the year, two more cameras were expected to be in operation, though authorities had yet to confirm their locations.
In a previous story, we explored how new road cameras are making a serious impact on drivers’ wallets across the state.
If you’re planning to drive in anywhere in Australia, it’s important to know how these cameras could catch you off guard.
Be sure to check out the full details on how these new systems could affect your next trip.
With so many drivers still getting caught despite the fines, do you think the cameras will truly change behaviour on the roads? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What started as a simple measure to curb distractions has turned into a shocking reality, with millions in fines already issued.
But how effective are these new detection methods, and are drivers finally getting the message? Let’s dive into the details.
The new high-tech detection cameras, which were installed at five locations around Adelaide, have played a pivotal role in identifying offenders.
Police Minister Stephen Mullighan called the level of mobile phone use ‘unacceptably high’ and praised the effectiveness of the cameras.
Over 47,000 drivers fined for phone use in six months. Image source: 9News
‘Looking at your mobile phone while you're driving rather than watching the road – you might as well be driving blindfolded,’ Mullighan said.
The North-South Motorway at Regency Park recorded the highest number of offences, with almost 13,000 drivers fined.
Not far behind were the South Road at Torrensville, Southern Expressway, and Port Road locations.
Port Wakefield Road at Gepps Cross had the fewest offences.
Although the fines were issued at a rapid rate initially, there was a noticeable slowdown in the number of drivers caught as time went on.
Supt Shane Johnson from SA Police said this slowdown indicated that drivers were starting to realise the dangers of distractions.
Despite this, some drivers continued to flout the rules.
Over 600 individuals were caught using their phones multiple times, with one driver receiving an incredible 41 fines.
‘We have an ongoing investigation into that driver,’ Johnson said.
By the end of the year, two more cameras were expected to be in operation, though authorities had yet to confirm their locations.
In a previous story, we explored how new road cameras are making a serious impact on drivers’ wallets across the state.
If you’re planning to drive in anywhere in Australia, it’s important to know how these cameras could catch you off guard.
Be sure to check out the full details on how these new systems could affect your next trip.
With so many drivers still getting caught despite the fines, do you think the cameras will truly change behaviour on the roads? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
