Is it time for a mobile phone detection trial in Toowoomba?

POLICE busted more than 3400 motorists using their phone while driving but the true rate of offending would be much higher.

RACQ wants a mobile phone detection camera trial in Queensland. . Picture: Lee Constable

RACQ said now was the time for a mobile phone detection camera trial, after new figures showed a staggering number of drivers were caught using their phones behind the wheel.

Department of Transport and Main Roads data showed 27,490 Queensland motorists were busted using a handheld device during 2018 and 2019, with 3483 of those fines handed out in the Southern region.

RACQ's Lauren Ritchie said the dangers of distraction were well known and drivers were putting lives at risk.

"This data was recorded over a two-year period before tough new penalties were introduced on February 1 this year and is one of the reasons harsher fines were needed and the trial of mobile phone cameras was introduced," Ms Ritchie said.

"The mobile phone cameras were due to be rolled out in April but delayed due to COVID-19, but now that the police have returned to regular enforcement, including mobile speed cameras and RBT operations, we believe it's time the planned trial got under way."

Distracted driving offences occur daily in Toowoomba and Darling Downs Country Patrol Inspector Danny Shaw said it was concerning that so many motorists used their phone while behind the wheel.

"It is unfortunate," he said.

"Using a phone while driving is an unnecessary risk that puts motorist and the community in danger."

He pointed to research from the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety which found checking your phone increased the risk of a serious crash four-fold.

While the detection rate is high Insp Shaw expected it would fall in a similar pattern to drink driving offences.

"It requires a combination of education and enforcement," he said.

"If you think about drink driving, we are getting better compliance as social habits change over time."

Regarding the education aspect Insp Shaw said it would be unlikely a motorist would get off with a warning if they were caught using a phone behind the wheel today.

Much like drinking driving, distracted driving is now punished with a licence suspension for a repeat offence within one year.

New penalties mean those caught using their mobile phone while driving will be fined $1000.

"We would prefer people just do the right thing," Insp Shaw said.

TMR data showed 576 Queensland motorists were also given double demerit points for two or more phone offences within a 12-month period in 2018-2019.

Originally published as Is it time for a mobile phone detection trial in Toowoomba?