One in three drivers using phones as first mobile phone detection cameras are installed in Adelaide

Cameras to catch drivers using mobile phones have been installed on one of Adelaide’s busiest roads – with nearly a third of drivers busted in early tests.

Nearly one in three drivers are being caught on their mobile phones by South Australia’s first-ever phone detection cameras.

The Advertiser understands the cameras – the first of their kind in the state – picked up 32 per cent of drivers using their mobiles during testing as they were being installed on South Rd at Torrensville.

One driver was even snapped using a mobile and a laptop at the same time.

Trials of the cameras in other states have seen the number of drivers being caught on their phones drop to around five per cent.

Almost a third of South Australian drivers have been busted in early tests of mobile phone detection cameras. Picture: Damian Shaw

The cameras, which are already in use in NSW and Queensland and are being rolled out in Victoria and the ACT, are being switched on at South Rd for a three-month trial.

During an initial grace period, no fines will be imposed.

But once the cameras are officially in use, drivers caught using their mobile devices will be fined up to $2500 and lose three demerit points.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs said the mobile phone detection cameras had been proven to save lives by helping to stamp out one of the “fatal five” driving problems – distraction.

“Distracted driving kills and causes trauma,’’ he said.

“Our new Road Safety Action Plan targets behaviours known as the ‘fatal five’, including driver distraction, drink and drug driving, speeding, seatbelts and dangerous road users.”

Data provided by South Australia Police shows that over the past four years, 30,354 expiation notices have been issued for mobile phone offences.

The state government has guaranteed privacy during their trial.

It has released to The Advertiser the location of the cameras to provide fair warning of the trial.

Traffic cameras on South Road, Torrensville. Picture: Dean Martin

Authorities hope to have around seven cameras installed if the project is successful.

They hope measures like this will slow the state’s escalating road toll, which this year stands at 37 compared to 17 at the same time last year.

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

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

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

“We all need to break the habit of reaching for our phone every time it rings, beeps or pings. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, to read or respond to a message, slows down your reaction time and increases the chances of having a crash.

“This applies even when you are stationary at traffic lights as you are slow to react to changing traffic conditions, such as lights changing, or the movement of pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.

“The risk increases in high-volume traffic areas, where inattention and distraction contribute to a greater number of collisions.”