New hi-tech cameras bust more than 30,000 drivers using phones in Victoria

A trial period during which motorists were cautioned for using their phones has done little to curb the bad habit, with tens of thousands nabbed in just six months.

Tens of thousands of drivers have been busted using their phones behind the wheel in the first six months since Victoria’s hi-tech detection cameras began dishing out hefty fines.

Latest government figures reveal a whopping 30,231 drivers were nabbed on their phone or another portable device from July to December last year, totalling almost $17.5m revenue.

But it appears the grace period for the three months prior, in which drivers were cautioned rather than fined $577 and four demerit points, did little to curb bad driving habits.

Cameras also busted nearly 16,500 drivers and another 6,375 passengers failing to wear seatbelts, with each handed a $385 infringement and three demerit points.

The portable trailers – dubbed ‘Distracted Driver Cameras’ – were moved across 162 sites statewide and relied on AI-technology to capture images of drivers doing the wrong thing.

One particular site along Pascoe Vale Rd at Coolaroo, between Somerton Rd and Paringa Blvd, has done the heavy lifting, according to separate data covering last July to September.

Mobile phone and seatbelt cameras busted more than 30,000 drivers in Victoria who were using their phones in just six months. Picture: Josh Woning

In total, 3245 drivers were pinged at the hotspot, while another 2469 were caught out along Sydney Rd at Campbellfield, between Glenbarry Rd and Somerton Rd.

Clyde Rd in Berwick, between Cresthaven Blvd and Meadowlands Way, rounded out the top three revenue raising sites, catching out almost 2400 motorists.

Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said police were taking a zero-tolerance approach to any drivers who were acting irresponsibly behind the wheel.

“Our message to drivers is clear – if you are using your phone while driving or not buckled up, these cameras will catch you,” he said.

“Too many lives have been lost because drivers have been distracted and these road safety cameras are proven to be one of the most effective ways to stop this dangerous behaviour and save lives.”

Motorists were given a three-month trial period from April to July last year, during which they were cautioned rather than fined. Picture: file image

It comes as Victoria Police launched their annual Easter long weekend driving blitz and warned those taking to the road to travel with extra caution.

Mere days after admitting to being caught speeding on the job, Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir lashed “numbskull” behaviour which frequented state roads.

“We have seen really unacceptable levels of alcohol and drugs impairment and use on the roads and it is causing significant trauma,” Mr Weir said.

“It’s mind-boggling that people would take the risk in this day and age to think that they can drive over the prescribed concentration of alcohol or after having used illicit drugs and think they can get away with it.”

Sixty-nine people have died on Victoria’s road this year so far, proving a devastating start to 2024 following a record-high road toll last year.