South Australia’s newest road safety cameras have been busy since launching in late September, with thousands of drivers caught flouting distracted driver laws.
A total of 2544 fines were issued for drivers using their mobile phones in the first week after the new cameras went live on September 19.
A total of 2604 potential incidents were recorded, but South Australia Police (SAPOL) says offences detected by the cameras are reviewed by an SAPOL adjudicator to confirm the driver was indeed committing an offence.
Those caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel in South Australia incur penalties consisting of a $658 fine, which includes a $102 Victims of Crime levy, plus three demerit points.
Two repeat offenders are expected to lose their licence racking up six separate infringements each, while a third driver was fined five times.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
SA Police data suggests that driver behaviour has improved since the three-month phone camera grace period that ran from June 19 to September 18, with infringement notices dropping from 0.37 percent of drivers to 0.24 percent.
“This demonstrates people are hearing the call that illegal mobile phone use on our roads will not be tolerated,” said Superintendent Darren Fielke, South Australia Police (SAPOL) Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge.
“But it defies all reason some drivers are still putting their lives and others at risk by using their phones when behind the wheel. Use includes having the phone in your lap, under or on your body or touching or being touched by any part of your body except in certain circumstances.
“In only one week, 2544 motorists were detected, and no one can say we didn’t warn them. The fact certain drivers were caught multiple times across several of the camera locations is unbelievable.”
Mobile phone detection cameras are permanently installed in five high-risk locations across the state, all accompanied by warning signage.
The camera situated at North South Motorway, Regency Park recorded 702 infringements over the first week, the most of any.
Two other camera locations are currently being considered and are expected to be installed next year.
During the three-month grace period, SA Police sent 68,252 warning notices for mobile phone offences.
MORE: South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras are online: What you need to know
