Cameras to nab drivers on phones to be trialled within months
Victoria’s road toll could be dramatically reduced by mobile phone detection cameras, with the new technology set to be rolled out within months.
VIC News
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Cameras to catch drivers using their mobile phones will be trialled within months as secret research reveals they could prevent almost 100 fatal and serious injury crashes a year.
The Sunday Herald Sun has uncovered research for the state government showing the hi-tech cameras could dramatically reduce the road toll.
They have already been introduced in NSW — nabbing more than 100,000 rogue drivers at just two locations in six months.
It would equate to $49 million in fine revenue based on the existing penalty in Victoria.
Monash University Accident Research Centre analysis, completed for agencies including the transport and justice departments, shows mobile phone detection cameras could each year prevent 95 crashes where somebody is killed or hurt.
The modelling, based on rolling out cameras statewide, shows $21 million in crash costs would also be saved.
Even putting the detection devices at existing fixed speed camera sites would prevent five crashes a year causing death or injury.
The Sunday Herald Sun has confirmed phone detection technology, which captures the front cabin space of vehicles, will be tested using next-generation mobile speed cameras.
“We will commence trialling new technology in the coming months, including looking at opportunities to integrate mobile phone detection technology with our existing road safety camera network,’’ a state government spokeswoman said.
“We will continue to work with other states and consider options internationally to ensure our rollout involves the best available technology.”
Monash University detailed the research in a submission to a parliamentary road toll inquiry.
It assumed 5 per cent of drivers in Victoria are illegally using their phone at any time and 20 per cent would be deterred if cameras were rolled out.
“The widespread use of automated mobile phone detection cameras as part of an enforcement program designed to achieve general deterrence has the potential to be effective in reducing road trauma and associated costs,’’ researchers noted.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said Victoria Police was aware of the research.
“As a part of our commitment towards road safety Victoria Police supports the investigation into any new or emerging technologies that have the ability to reduce road trauma,’’ Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“We will continue to work with government to investigate the future use of new road safety technology, including mobile phone detection devices.
“As a part of this work we will continue our engagement with our NSW counterparts on their rollout of this technology.”
Tolling giant Transurban has told the parliamentary inquiry it supports phone detection cameras on Victoria’s roads.
Rear-end crashes account for around 60 per cent of all accidents on CityLink.
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“We know distracted driving through mobile phone use can be a factor and support investigations into how we can discourage this behaviour,’’ road safety manager Liz Waller told the Sunday Herald Sun.
The Sunday Herald Sun last month revealed the government was looking to dramatically increase the $496 fine for using a phone behind the wheel which also attracts four demerit points.