The world’s first mobile phone detection camera program is to be rolled out in NSW by the end of the year.
Ministers for Roads, Andrew Constance and Paul Toole said the cameras will crack down on drivers illegally using their mobile phones.
Mr Constance said that during a recent six month pilot, the safety technology checked 8.5 million vehicles and found more than 100,000 drivers using their phones illegally.
“Unfortunately some people haven’t received the message and think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence,” Mr Constance said.
“The program will operate in warning letter mode for the first three months to reinforce the ‘get your hand off it’ message,” he said.
“If you offend after that, you’ll cop a $344 fine and five demerit points.”
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said more than 16,500 people had been caught using a mobile phone while driving so far this year.
“When you drive while using a phone, your attention is not on the road, on other cars, pedestrians, or on other dangers and it poses a risk to everyone who uses the road,” Mr Corboy said.
“There is simply no excuse for it.”
He said the program would start later this year and progressively expand to perform 135 million vehicle checks annually by 2023.
Mr Corboy said Privacy Commissioner Samantha Gavel had been involved in ongoing consultation during the pilot regarding the privacy protection measures incorporated into the program.
