SA’s first mobile phone detection cameras will soon be rolled out on key metropolitan corridors in a $15.9 million initiative as the State Government pushes to reduce road trauma caused by driver distraction.
Following a successful trial of the technology earlier this year, five priority locations across Adelaide have been identified for the installation of mobile phone detection cameras (MPDC):
These cameras work by capturing high quality images from multiple angles through the driver’s windscreen, with artificial intelligence software identifying drivers on their mobile phones.
Photographs of drivers are then validated by SA Police, with images of those following the law deleted.
- Southern Expressway, Darlington
- South Road, Torrensville
- North South Motorway, Regency Park
- Port Road, Hindmarsh
- Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross.
Pending final technical and environmental review of these five locations, the enforcement cameras are expected to be installed on existing digital variable message signage and operational by June 2024.
A three-month educational period will operate from June to September 2024 where drivers will not be fined or lose demerit points, following which SA Police will issue fines, which are currently of $540 (plus $99 victims of crime levy) and three demerit points for drivers who illegally use their mobile phone.
All funds raised from the fines will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund, to deliver crucial road safety initiatives across the state, including safety improvements, education programs and hard-hitting public advertising.
The State Government’s selection of camera locations is based on research by Adelaide University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research, considering crash trends and targeting busy road corridors across different areas of Adelaide.
Inattention continues to be a contributing factor in around half of all lives lost and over a third of serious injuries on South Australian roads.
Delivering another commitment of the state’s Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25, MPDCs save lives by detecting and deterring drivers who put themselves and others at risk by engaging in this dangerous behaviour.
Mobile phone detection cameras already operate in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland and a three-month grace period is underway in the Australian Capital Territory.
The State Government recently announced a $168 million joint road safety funding commitment with the Commonwealth Government, in addition to $98 million included in the 2023-24 State Budget. This will see more than a quarter of a billion dollars invested over five years to make South Australian roads safer.
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