New covert cameras stinging drivers $658

A million motorists are being warned to ditch a dangerous habit while behind the wheel or risk copping a mammoth fine, with new cameras watching from above.

Mobile phone detection cameras have been running in a testing phase in South Australia since June, but will start issuing fines from midnight tonight.

And it seems a small group of repeated offenders could pay dearly for their wandering hands.

While new road signs have been erected at detection points, including in the Adelaide suburbs of Torrensville, Darlington, Regency Park, Gapps Cross and Hindmarsh, motorists distracted by their devices might not spot them in time.

Over the past three months of the state’s camera trial, those caught have been sent a stern warning letter.

From Thursday, they’ll receive a whopping $658 fine, which includes a special $102 levy that helps fund South Australia’s Victims of Crime program.

At a press conference yesterday, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens revealed those who’ve pushed the envelope since June are in for a rude shock.

During that period, three drivers were sent 19 warning letters each, with Commissioner Stevens slamming the “disgraceful behaviour”.

In all, had the cameras been issuing real fines during the three-month trial, the total value of infringements would’ve passed $45 million.

Anyone detected using their phone while driving will also lose three demerit points, he added.

“We make no apologies if someone loses their licence through demerit points.”

The same detection cameras are used in other states across the country, designed to help deter motorists from behaviour that can distract them.

There are plenty of people doing the wrong thing, if the South Australian trial results are anything to go by.

A test run of the system in January took three million snapshots, and over just two months recorded more than 71,000 instances of mobile phone use.

That’s about one in every 100 cars passing by.

“The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming, South Australian Police Superintendent Darren Fielke said.

“The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads.”

Experts estimate distraction contribute to up to 30 per cent of all serious car accidents where an occupant is injured or killed.

In South Australia over the five years to 2021, 247 people were killed and 1330 were injured in incidents were inattentive drivers were the leading cause.

“This equates to 51 per cent of all lives lost and 34 per cent of serious injuries,” according to the SA Department of Transport.

Last year marked the deadliest 12-month period on the state’s roads, with 113 people losing their lives – up from 70 fatalities the year prior, marking a 61.4 per cent surge.

Officials hope the new cameras will make a dent in the horror road toll.

It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while operating a vehicle, unless via a bluetooth headset, pair of headphones, or through in-car audio.

“It is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle,” SA Police advised.

Mobile phone detection cameras are mounted in elevated positions, peering down on vehicles through the windscreen.

Portable systems are also being increasingly used, expanding the scope of detection efforts.

Artificial intelligence technology helps to automatically sift through images to spot those using or holding their mobile phones.

“Images that the automated system considers likely to contain a driver illegally using a mobile phone are reviewed by authorised personnel,” the motoring group NRMA explained.

New South Wales was the first jurisdiction to adopt the cameras, first as a trial back in late 2019 before a fully operational state commenced in March 2020.

The scheme was ramped up over the following years and now 135 million checks are conducted across the state every year.

“Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $387, or $514 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points,” the NRMA said.

“This will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.”

The only areas where the mobile phone detection cameras aren’t used are Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

And in some locations, the same cameras are being used to catch out motorists and front seat passengers who aren’t wearing seatbelts.