Victoria’s top traffic cop warns ‘no mercy’ for drivers with phones in lap behind wheel

New traffic cameras are busting more Victorian drivers with their phone in their lap while behind the wheel — and the state’s top traffic cop says they should “expect to be penalised”.

The state’s top traffic cop has warned there will be no mercy for those who drive with mobile phones in their laps.

Many more of those who breach the road rule are being caught since the installation of new-wave traffic cameras, which peer into a car’s interior to catch those flouting phone and seatbelt laws.

Cases have started to appear before the courts in recent months and Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir has told the Herald Sun there was no excuse for those busted.

“It’s up to every driver to know the rules and adhere to them,” Mr Weir said. “Driving with your mobile phone in your lap is against the law.”

Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Drivers breaching lap rules were among the 53,000 new figures show were caught by the new cameras in their first six months of operation.

Mr Weir said the rules were in place with good reason.

“Driving isn’t a secondary activity. It requires your complete attention,” he said.

“Too often we see drivers scrolling through a phone on their lap or watching videos when their eyes should be on the road. If you’re caught using your phone while driving, whether by police or a camera, you should expect to be penalised.”

Those caught touching portable devices while driving risk fines of $577 and the loss of four demerit points.

One man faced court last week on charges he breached the phone-in-lap rule three times.

The Herald Sun has been told he was let off without loss of licence.

Meanwhile, drink- and drug-drivers have been busted during a major police operation on the Monash Freeway at the weekend.

Texting while driving Source: iStock

Officers from operation Colossus caught 39 drink-drivers and six drug-drivers over Friday and Saturday nights.

Police said 23 drivers were caught speeding, one of them rocketing along the Monash Freeway at 152 km/h.

Greater Dandenong highway patrol’s Sergeant Alastair Clement said the results were disappointing.

“Choosing to drink and drive, or take drugs and drive, demonstrates blatant disregard not only for your own safety but the safety of your passengers and all other road users,” Sergeant Clement said.