Top locations where new mobile phone detection cameras have been installed

The top locations of some new mobile phone detection cameras busting people texting behind the wheel have been revealed.

The secret locations of some new mobile phone detection cameras in South Australia have been revealed.

Following in the footsteps of NSW, Queensland and Victoria, South Australia will be conducting a mobile phone detection trial from June through to December this year.

Five locations were confirmed on January 1 – the Southern Expressway in Darlington, South Rd in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Rd in Hindmarsh and Port Wakefield Rd in Gepps Cross.

The cameras will take photos of drivers, with help from artificial intelligence technology, using their phones illegally.

Mobile phone detection cameras are set to be operational in September 2024. Picture: David Swift.

Detection systems are working in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Picture: VicPol

However, official messaging surrounding how phones are allowed to be used has been met with two contradicting pieces of advice.

Earlier advice suggested drivers could touch their phone to receive calls, provided it was in a phone cradle, or drivers could make use of voice activation in their car.

SA Police Superintendent Darren Fielke later told the media that drivers should not be touching their phones at all while operating a vehicle.

“It’s really clear, don’t touch your phone while you’re driving,” Superintendent Fielke said.

“Don’t touch your phone while it’s in the cradle, except to answer the call.”

SA Police later changed its tune, reporting it did not have the capacity to give legal advice and labelling the use of phones as a “grey area”.

Confusing messaging has left drivers in the dark about how to use mobile phones. Picture: News Regional Media

Drivers can be slapped with a $639 fine and three demerit points if caught. Picture: Dean Martin

It added each case would be dealt with individually.

The camera system stands as part of a $15.9m state government initiative to reduce road trauma following a year in which 117 people died on South Australian roads.

As part of the three-month trial later this year, drivers will not be fined or lose any demerit points if caught.

Following the end of the trial period, commuters can expect fines of up to $639 and the loss of three demerit points.

Originally published as Top locations where new mobile phone detection cameras have been installed