During the initial week following the end of a three-month grace period for South Australia’s new mobile phone detection cameras, drivers incurred a total of 2544 fines. The data, covering the period from September 19th to 25th, 2024, indicates an improvement in driver behaviour, although a significant number continue to risk heavy penalties by using their phones while driving.
These penalties include a $556 fine, a $102 Victims of Crime levy, and the deduction of three demerit points. A review by a trained SAPOL adjudicator confirmed that 97.70 per cent of the 2604 potential incidents captured warranted an expiation notice, with 405 notices issued on the first day alone.
Superintendent Darren Fielke, Officer in Charge of the Traffic Services Branch at South Australia Police, commented on the results saying, “This demonstrates people are hearing the call that illegal mobile phone use on our roads will not be tolerated. But it defies all reason some drivers are still putting their lives and others at risk by using their phones when behind the wheel.”
The detection technology identifies drivers who are holding or touching their phones, or have their phones touching any part of their body, except under specific circumstances. “In only one week, 2544 motorists were detected, and no one can say we didn’t warn them. The fact certain drivers were caught multiple times across several of the camera locations is unbelievable,” added Superintendent Fielke.
Particularly shocking was the finding that two vehicle owners will receive six expiations each, and another will be issued with five. All three are expected to lose their driving licences. Fielke also noted a disturbing trend among the most frequently detected drivers. “Disappointingly, our records show the registered vehicle owners that were detected five times and more in the first week had also received warning letters during the grace period.”
SAPOL stresses the deadly risks of mobile phone use behind the wheel. In 2024 alone, distraction has played a role in 2101 casualty collisions, resulting in 23 deaths and 221 serious injuries.
The mobile phone detection cameras currently monitor 13 lanes at five high-risk locations, all marked with warning signs. The cameras recorded 702 incidents at North South Motorway, Regency Park, 580 at Southern Expressway, Darlington, 553 at South Road, Torrensville, 473 at Port Road, Hindmarsh, and 236 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross. South Road, Torrensville recorded the highest percentage of fines relative to vehicle volume, with Southern Expressway, Darlington recording the lowest.
Introduced between 19 June and 18 September 2024, the cameras initially operated under a grace period during which SAPOL issued 68,252 warning notices for mobile phone offences. The authorities are now considering the installation of additional cameras at two more sites in 2025.
For more detailed information on the operation and location of mobile phone detection cameras, visit the Think! Road Safety website at https://www.thinkroadsafety.sa.gov.au/mobile-phone-detection-cameras/faq
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