New traffic cameras expected to catch 100,000 drivers using their phone, reaping $46m in fines

The state government is about to introduce special traffic cameras to catch drivers on their phones – and it has already estimated the fines windfall it will reap.

Special traffic cameras designed to catch drivers illegally using mobile phones while behind the wheel are expected to generate $46 million in fines over three years, new figures show.

More than 100,000 motorists are predicted to be caught between 2022/23 and 2024/25, state government data obtained by the Opposition reveals.

The figures show the government anticipates 35,040 motorists will be snapped in 2022/23, while 37,230 will be nabbed in 2023/24 and 28,105 will be caught the following year.

This will generate $15.7m, $17.1m and $13.2m in fines each year, respectively.

The revenue estimates are based on South Australian traffic volumes and the detection experience interstate.

The Opposition has labelled the initiative a cash-grab, while the government says it is all about road safety.

The expiation fee for using a mobile phone while driving is $554 plus a $92 Victims of Crime levy, meaning culprits pay a total of $646.

If all of the anticipated 100,000 drivers paid their fines, $64.6m would be generated.

However, Treasurer Rob Lucas said $46m was expected to be collected because some people who struggled to pay up could may be put on a long-term payment plans or have their fines converted into non-monetary penalties, such as community service.

High-definition cameras able to snap motorists using mobile phones will be installed at “high-risk” locations across Adelaide from September next year.

The government is spending $19.4 million to roll out the initiative.

Inattention or distraction, including the use of mobile phones while driving, was a contributing factor in 56 per cent of fatal crashes in 2020.

Between 2015 and 2019, distraction was a contributing factor in 43 per cent of fatal smashes and 48 per cent of serious injury crashes.

The Advertiser reported in March 2018 that almost one in 20 drivers were caught illegally using their phones during a private trial of cameras specifically designed to pick up the offence.

The company behind the trial, One Task, at the time said it demonstrated the scale of offending and proved the technology could catch as many drivers in a single location in an hour as police could nab across the state in a day.

The trial focused on motorists travelling through the Bakewell Underpass on Henley Beach Rd and caught 201 of the 4571 drivers using their phones in less than eight hours.