New AI cameras bust 30,000 drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel

Victoria’s new AI cameras have busted tens of thousands of drivers using their phones behind the wheel, resulting in a fines bonanza for the state government.

New AI cameras have caught nearly 30,000 Victorians using their mobile phones behind the wheel. Picture: VicPol

A staggering number of motorists have been busted blatantly flouting road rules, with the state government set to rake in more than $26m from new AI-powered cameras.

The state’s six mobile distracted driver cameras have nabbed more than 53,000 offences in just six months, according to new data.

Between July 1 and December 30 last year, the cameras detected 30,231 drivers using their mobile phones behind the wheel.

Nearly 16,500 drivers and 6374 passengers were also caught not wearing seatbelts in the six month period.

The AI-enabled cameras, which have been operating since July 1 last year, take high-resolution pictures of drivers which is then passed to a human verified to assess before a fine is issued.

Drivers face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for not wearing a seatbelt correctly.

New AI technology capturing drivers on their phones. Picture: Victorian Government.

The state government is set to rake in $26m from the new AI-powered cameras. Picture: VicPol

Based on those figures, the government is set to net $26,249,777.

The six cameras, which cost $33.7m, are moved around and can be set up across 200 different locations.

Pascoe Vale Rd between Somerton Rd and Paringa Bvd in Coolaroo nabbed the most drivers (3245), followed by Sydney Rd in Campbellfield (2469) and Clyde Rd in Berwick which fined 2398 drivers.

The government said all revenue is put back into the Better Roads Victoria Trust Account where it’s spent on improving the state’s road network.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the technology has proven to be one of the most effective ways to stop dangerous and selfish behaviour.

“These are really disturbing and distressing figures. You could fill Marvel Stadium to capacity - 53,000 offences for those not doing the basics well,” he said.

“This new technology is catching those who are disrespecting other road users and putting people’s lives at risk on our roads.”

More than 30,000 people were nabbed for using their phones wile driving in a six month period last year. Picture: VicPol

Nobody will be off limits. Picture: VicPol

Transport Accident Commission chief executive Tracey Slatter said enforcement is the most effective tool to deterring and changing dangerous diver behaviour.

“If being caught just once by these new cameras a person will avoid the temptation to use their phone next time, or buckle up, then it’s effective in preventing road trauma,” she said.

More than 140 drivers and passengers killed on Victorian roads in the last five years weren’t wearing a seatbelt.

Last year, 295 people were killed on Victorian roads. So far this year, 34 people have died in road accidents.