SA mobile phone cameras set to reap $17m in motorist fines in first year, state government says

New mobile-phone detection cameras are now running in SA, and we can reveal how much SA drivers are predicted to be fined.

Mobile phone detection cameras are expected to reap up to $17 million in fines revenue from offending motorists during their first year of operation.

The state government is expecting to roll out up to seven of the hi-tech cameras after a three-month trial of the first camera on South Rd at Torrensville.

While no fines will be issued during the trial, those caught by the cameras after the trial face a $679 fine and the loss of three demerit points.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs said the amount of revenue generated “entirely depends on the behaviour of motorists.”

“I would be the happiest Minister to see a huge overestimation of revenue,’’ he said.

“Importantly, my wish is for these cameras to return zero revenue, because we know that would be a demonstration of the public’s and the community’s approach to the use of mobile phones while driving.”

A mobile-phone detection camera above South Road, Torrensville. Picture Dean Martin

“Every cent raised from the fines the cameras generate will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund.”

RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matthew Vertudaches said the trial was welcomed to discourage such behaviour “because it puts people’s lives at risk.’’

“Early figures from the mobile phone detection cameras in NSW saw the detection rate of mobile phone use drop to under 0.25 per cent of drivers,’’ he said.

Mr Vertudaches also welcomed a commitment to review any privacy issues following the trial.

There has been controversy in NSW where one driver complained of being “upskirted” by a camera with her underwear exposed by the extreme angle of the device.

In that state artificial intelligence is now used to highlight and pixilate any privacy problems, but this will not yet be included in SA.

A mobile-phone busting camera catches a motorist doing the wrong thing.

“Data security and privacy are absolutely paramount and we would expect the privacy of South Australians to be protected,’’ Mr Vertudaches said.

A review of the trial will begin in May, followed by a recommendation for a preferred provider to supply and install the cameras for operation as scheduled in early 2024.

A driver is caught by the cameras using a mobile phone and not wearing a seatbelt.

Neither photographs or the number of motorists snapped during the initial few days of the trial are being released by police.

Under the new initiative SAPOL is managing the data input from the camera providers.

SAPOL Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott on Monday said inattention was identified as a contributing factor in around half of all lives lost and more than one-third of serious injuries on South Australian roads.

“Our message to drivers is simple – leave your phone alone while driving,’’ he said.