In the first month of operation, South Australia’s new Mobile Phone Detection Cameras have identified nearly 31,000 drivers handling their phones while driving. This overwhelming number includes 836 motorists who were captured multiple times, with each offence attracting three demerit points, which would have resulted in the loss of their driving licences if not for the current grace period.
During this one-month period, 30,754 warning letters were issued. A report disclosed that three individuals were caught 19 times, two were caught 18 times, one was caught 16 times, and another four were recorded 15 times. Had fines been enforced, each of the top three offenders would have faced fines totalling around $12,500.
Superintendent Darren Fielke from the Traffic Services Branch expressed concern over the high rate of mobile phone use among drivers. “The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming. The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads,” he stated.
Fielke further highlighted the hazardous implications this behaviour could have outside of the grace period, noting the potential for drivers to lose their licences under regular enforcement conditions. He urges drivers to adjust their habits during this grace period. “It’s crucial for drivers to realise the seriousness of their actions. The use of a mobile phone while driving can lead to devastating consequences. They must change their driving behaviour promptly,” he added.
The cameras have been strategically placed in five locations identified as high-risk. These include South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross, Southern Expressway in Darlington, and Port Road in Hindmarsh. Usage statistics show varied detection rates, with the lanes on North-South Motorway at Regency Park registering the highest number of offences, where 9,620 drivers were issued warning letters. Additionally, South Road (Torrensville) reported the highest volume of potential offences relative to vehicle volume, with 0.84 per cent of passing motorists receiving letters.
While drivers are currently in a phase where they are receiving warnings rather than penalties, this will change on Thursday, 19 September 2024. From this date, caught motorists will face a $556 fine, an additional $102 adult Victims of Crime levy, and three demerit points for each offence recorded by the detection cameras.
The establishment of this system highlights the ongoing struggle to curb mobile phone usage among drivers, a habit that poses a significant risk to all road users. As the grace period progresses, the coming months will reveal whether the stern warning presented by the new system will effect the necessary change amongst South Australian drivers.
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