Mobile phone detection cameras across Hunter nabbed close to 10,000 drivers in just four months
The Newcastle News reveals how much Hunter motorists are forking out for illegally using their phones behind the wheel and the figures are alarming.
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Data has revealed drivers across the Hunter have been slapped with a staggering amount of fines in just four months, for illegally using their mobile phones behind the wheel.
Figures from Transport for NSW has shown from March 1 to June 30, hi-tech mobile phone detection cameras across the Hunter have checked more than 4.5 million vehicles.
Of that, 9487 penalty notices were issued, which equates to almost 78 fines per day.
Drivers captured on camera doing the wrong thing receive a $344 fine, or a $457 fine in a school zone, and five demerit points, or 10 during double demerit periods.
That’s more than a whopping $3.2 million worth of fines collected across the region.
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy said lives are being lost on NSW roads because of drivers illegally using their mobile phones.
“We are committed to halting the trend, and that’s why we’ve rolled out world first safety technology targeting illegal mobile phone use,” Ms McCarthy said.
“Simply taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds, doubles the risk of a crash.
“Research has found handheld mobile phone use while driving is associated with at least a four-fold increase in the risk of having a crash in which at least one person is killed or injured, and texting increases the crash risk even further.
“Those who think they can continue to put the safety of themselves, their passengers and the community at risk, you have been warned and you will face consequences.”
NSW Centre for Road Safety figures showed that from 2012, to January 2020, there have been 183 casualty crashes involving a driver or rider using a hand held mobile phone, resulting in 13 deaths and 245 injuries.
Transport for NSW does not divulge the locations of mobile phone detection cameras to deter people from breaking the law and putting people’s lives at risk.
They want drivers to believe they can be caught anywhere and anytime.
Every cent from mobile phone detection camera revenue goes directly into the Community Road Safety Fund, which is used to fund important road safety programs such as high visibility police operations and school zone flashing lights.
LEGAL MOBILE PHONE USE
-Make or receive phone calls if secured in vehicle cradle and does not require touching phone
-Use navigation system only if secured in vehicle cradle
-Access a digital driver’s license only if a police officer has asked you to do so
-Use wallet functions if vehicle is stationary and off the road
ILLEGAL MOBILE PHONE USE
-All functions including calling, texting, emailing, social media, web browsing, photography
-Access digital driver’s license
-P1 and P2 not permitted to use mobile phones at all (including Bluetooth and hands-free)