Mobile phone detection cameras to be rolled out across NSW roads

The NSW Government has stated it is on a mission to change the culture of mobile phone usage whilst driving on NSW roads by permanently setting up cameras to detect motorists using mobile phones. However, unlike speed cameras, there will be no warning signs for mobile phone detection cameras

The State Government said 100,000 of the 8.5 million drivers checked during a trial were found to be using their phones illegally. Although this is only represents 1.2% of the drivers checked, the Government is spending $88 million on fixed and portable cameras, which will be placed at 45 spots across the state.The roll out of the new cameras will be completed by December 2019, but there will be a 3 month grace period for penalties.

The current penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is $344 and five demerit points.

The mobile phone detection cameras were trialled at two permanent spots for six months. The high-definition cameras use artificial intelligence to spot drivers, regardless of the weather or the time of day. The portable versions will be mounted on trailers and operate across the state.

However, there will be allowances for mobile phone use in the car. These concessions include using a phone in a cradle with Bluetooth, handling a phone while passing it to a passenger, as well as using it in a drive-through service situation.

More than 16,500 people have been caught by police illegally using their mobile phone so far this year. The NSW Government said it would "progressively expand" the program to perform 135 million vehicle checks by 2023.