Hi-tech mobile phone detection units nabbing Cairns drivers

Drivers texting at the wheel may want to rethink what could be an expensive message following the roll out of new mobile camera units at strategic locations across the city.

DRIVERS texting at the wheel may want to rethink what could be an expensive message following the roll out of new mobile camera units at strategic locations across the city.

Since November 1 any drivers caught using a phone while driving can be fined $1033 and four demerit points.

This week one unit was deployed on Pease St near the tenpin bowling centre and the device has also been spotted outside the Smithfield Shopping Centre.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads have remained tight lipped on the number of infringements issued to Cairns drivers in the past three weeks.

TMR have also refused to state how many units are operating in Cairns.

However a spokesman issued a warning to drivers that stated the specialist camera systems operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Drivers and passengers committing the illegal behaviours should assume they can be caught anywhere, anytime,” he said.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads positioned a temporary traffic camera on Pease St this week. The cameras can detect illegal driver behaviours such as mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The cameras take images of each vehicle travelling in the lane of traffic the camera is monitoring. This includes images inside the vehicle cabin, mainly the front seats.”

Once an image has been recorded of a driver potentially breaking the law an officer’s discretion would determine if a fine would be issued.

“Where a possible breach is detected, the image is reviewed by an authorised TMR officer to determine if an offence has been committed,” the spokesman said.

“Only authorised officers have access to the images.”

This unit was seen on the northbound lane of Pease Street near Piccones IGA this week. Picture: Brendan Radke

Double demerit points and a further $1033 fine will apply for a repeat mobile phone offence within a 12-month period.

A driver who fails to wear a seatbelt correctly, or not at all, can receive a fine of $413 and three demerit points.

A driver who fails to ensure a passenger is properly restrained can receive a further fine of $413 and three demerit points.

“This applies to every passenger not properly restrained,” he said.

Double demerit points apply for seatbelt offences committed within 12 months of an earlier offence.

The department is expected to release infringement data on the new program “soon”.

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Originally published as Hi-tech mobile phone detection units nabbing Cairns drivers