New mobile phone detection cameras have snapped more than 8000 drivers ignoring the call from South Australia Police (SAPOL) to leave their phones alone when behind the wheel.
During the first week of operation – 19 June 2024 to 25 June 2024 – 8603 potential offences were recorded among 1,042,251 total traffic volume across all five camera locations, putting non-compliance at 0.83 per cent.
Potential incidents detected by the cameras require approximately two days for processing before SAPOL receives them.
So far, 6397 warning letters have been issued for potential incidents detected, for posting up to 27 June 2024.
Not all potential incidents have been adjudicated at the time of reporting. The number of warning letters may increase when the data is settled in the next few days.
During the three-month educational period from June to September 2024, drivers will not be fined or lose demerit points, however, the vehicle owner will receive a warning letter.
Cameras are now in place across five high-risk locations: South Road, Torrensville, North South Motorway, Regency Park, Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross, Southern Expressway, Darlington, and Port Road, Hindmarsh.
Expiations will be issued by South Australia Police (SAPOL) from September 19 2024, to drivers detected illegally using a mobile device – from 1 July 2024 a $556 fine (plus a $102 adult Victims of Crime levy, U18 $20) and three demerit points.
The cameras are funded by a $15.9 million State Government investment aimed at reducing road trauma caused by driver distraction.
For more information on the mobile phone detection cameras visit: Think Road Safety - Mobile Phone Detection Cameras (dit.sa.gov.au)
