Drivers caught on camera illegally using their mobile phone will now be issued fines and demerit points.
Minister for Roads, Andrew Constance said the world-first mobile phone detection cameras had been operating in warning mode since December, but drivers caught doing the wrong thing would now receive a $344 fine and five demerit points.
“Nine million vehicles had been checked by the cameras during the three-month warning period, with more than 30,000 warning letters issued to offending drivers,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re seeing more than 99 per cent of drivers doing the right thing, so when we compare this with the findings from the pilot last year, it is clear drivers are starting to get the message,” he said.
“As fines and demerits start to be issued from today we expect the number of offences could fall even further, making NSW roads safer for everyone.”
Mr Constance said the risk of a crash was doubled when drivers took their eye of the road for more than two seconds.
Minister for Regional Roads, Paul Toole said the decision to pick up a phone while driving could have fatal consequences.
Mr Toole said the cameras were both fixed and transportable, and that the trailer-mounted cameras would be frequently moved around the State.
