NSW will become the first state in the world to install phone detection cameras on its roads.
This follows a successful 6-month trial period in which two permanent phone detection cameras were set up in NSW and subsequently nabbed more than 100,000 drivers for illegally using their phones on the road.
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The new scheme, which will rollout by December, will include both permanent setups and trailer-mounted, portable cameras in 45 locations across the state. The Berejiklian Government plans to spend $88 million on the project.
NSW Roads Minister Andrew Constance spoke on the growing need to permanently implement phone cameras on our roads.
“Unfortunately some people haven’t received the message and think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk without consequence.”
Constance continued: “There is strong community support for more enforcement to stop illegal mobile phone use with 80 per cent of people we surveyed supporting use of the mobile phone detection cameras.”
In terms of specific rollout dates and locations, the government remains understandably tight-lipped.
“We have to unfortunately use the element of surprise to get people to think ‘well, I could get caught at any time’,” Constance noted.
Driving and phone use continues to be a serious issue, so this is great step forward in ensuring safer roads and reminding us youngins to put down our phones. After all, no DM, message or IG post is more important a potential accident or life lost.
