SA Police officers stalking drivers on their mobile phones stopped at red traffic lights across Adelaide

South Australia’s new mobile phone detection cameras are already catching a multitude of drivers. Now police have turned to a shock tactic to nab even more.

South Australian Police have intensified efforts to catch drivers using mobile phones at red lights, with officers now stalking up to vehicles to issue fines.

This crackdown follows the recent activation of mobile phone detection cameras. Fines for offending drivers started being handed out in September after a three-month grace period.

During the grace period, more than 68,000 warning notices were issued and in the first month of drivers being expiated, a whopping $6.8m worth of fines were dished out.

James, a courier driver from Elizabeth, shared his shock run-in with police on FIVEAA radio on Friday morning, recounting how he was caught using his phone at traffic lights on Marion Rd.

“I was eating a muffin when my phone pinged with a job, so I quickly accepted it. Next thing I knew, there was a tap on my window,” he said.

The officer, who had been hiding in a nearby alcove before stalking up on James’ vehicle, issued a $600 fine and four demerit points. The officer then held up the phone for other drivers at the traffic lights to see.

James said he was shocked, especially when the officer told him that using the phone in a cradle was also prohibited.

Hundreds of SA drivers are being caught on their mobile phones at new detection cameras.

The five new mobile phone detection cameras across Adelaide are now fully operational. Offending drivers face a $556 fine plus three demerit points.

The cameras are on South Rd at Torrensville, the North South Motorway at Regency Park, Port Wakefield Rd at Gepps Cross, the Southern Expressway at Darlington and Port Rd at Hindmarsh.

More locations and potentially even portable cameras are planned for 2025.

SA Police Media spokeswoman Senior Constable Kate Dawson described the situation as “like shooting fish in a barrel”, with police easily spotting drivers distracted by their phones at traffic lights.

“There’s really no excuse for looking at your phone while driving,” she said, emphasising the significant risks posed by distractions.

So far this year, mobile phone use has contributed to 21 fatalities on SA roads.

Police are urging motorists to focus on the road and keep their phones out of reach to ensure everyone’s safety.