Fines revoked for drivers using mobile phones in COVID testing queues
Fines have been revoked for motorists who were found using their mobile phones while waiting in lengthy drive-through COVID-19 testing queues.
NSW
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Fines have been revoked for motorists who were found using their mobile phones while waiting in lengthy drive-through COVID-19 testing queues.
Record numbers of Sydneysiders visited COVID-19 testing centres on Saturday, which resulted in huge queues and long waits across the city.
Motorists complained they had to wait for up to six-hours for swab testing at the drive-through clinic at Bondi.
However, while stationary in their vehicles, nine people were fined for using their mobile phones.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said common sense had prevailed with the majority of the fines being revoked to a caution.
“Nine people were in that category (of being fined), seven of which have been reverted to a caution. Seven of those fines have been revoked but I understand for two of those fines, there were additional issues,” she said.
“Common sense prevailed and we always ask for discretion at this time.”
A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed the two people were fined because of the mobile phone use and other issues but would not explain what these were.
She also confirmed the fines had been issued.
“On Saturday, December 19, a number of infringement notices were issued to motorists in the Eastern Suburbs. Those infringement notices are being reviewed by the NSW Police Force,” she said.
In NSW, It is illegal to video call, text, email, take photos, use social media or browse the internet unless parked.
Phone calls, and audio and music functions are permitted only if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle or can be operated without touching any part of the device.
The penalty for using a mobile phone is five demerit points and a $349 fine.
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