Motorists and drivers using mobile phones while they drive may soon find themselves detected as the South Australia Police and Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) have started trialling technology that can find them.
According to the Department, the new Mobile Phone Detection Camera (MPDC) saves lives by detecting and deterring dangerous drivers who illegally use mobile phones while they’re driving.
“Two potential mobile phone detection camera providers will trial cameras and related technology on South Road, Torrensville, from Monday, 20 March until late April 2023,” the Department said.
“Inattention is identified as a contributing factor in around half of all lives lost and over a third of serious injuries on South Australian roads,” it said.
“Mobile phone detection cameras already operate in New South Wales and Queensland and are being trialled for use in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.”
The Department said South Australia’s Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 includes long-term planning for using MPDCs initially at metropolitan sites to detect illegal mobile phone use while driving.
It said the MPDC trial would allow South Australia Police and DIT to assess solutions and evaluate how the cameras perform mounted on a digital variable message sign in the South Australian road environment.
It said that during the trial the State Government would protect motorists’ privacy and would not impose fines or demerit points.
A review of the trial will commence in May, followed by a recommendation for a preferred provider to supply and install the cameras for operation as early as 2024.
More information on the MPDC trial can be accessed at this PS News link.
