Almost 31,000 drivers have been pinged by SAPOL’s new phone detection cameras

One month into a grace period, police have revealed the staggering number of drivers stung by the state’s new phone detection cameras – including three caught 19 times each.

A driver caught by the state’s new mobile phone detection cameras. Picture: SAPOL

A staggering 1000 drivers a day have been stung by mobile phone detection cameras across Adelaide in the first month of them being turned on.

The total of 30,754 motorists caught would have netted about $20m into the state coffers.

SA Police revealed three drivers were caught a staggering 19 times each.

If they were fined, those three motorists would have received bills totalling about $12,500 each.

Another two drivers were stung on 18 occasions, and one person was found doing the wrong thing 16 times.

Alarmingly, 836 motorists would have lost their licences after being caught on four or more occasions, with each incident incurring three demerit points and a $658 fine.

Traffic Services Branch Superintendent Darren Fielke said reviewing the number of motorists caught by the cameras prove the need for such systems to be set up across the state.

“The numbers that we’re seeing definitely back up our rationale and our reasons for bringing in mobile phone detection in South Australia,” he said at a press conference on Friday.

“This is really highlighting to people that we’ve got a real problem here on South Australian roads and people using phones.

“Personally, I’d like to see the numbers drop because that means we’re changing the behaviour of drivers on our roads, – and that’s really what it’s all about.”

However, currently drivers will only receive a written warning if busted before September 19.

Supt. Fielke said police has granted a three-month grace period for drivers to fix their behaviour.

“In the interest of fairness and openness and transparency around all this, we are giving people and opportunity to change their behaviour before we start taking away their license, and before we start fining them,” he said.

“They need to start that now and they can start that now.

“This is a choice that people make and they can make a different choice.”

Cameras were activated on June 19, 12.01am.

The systems are currently active in five locations which have been previously labelled as “high risk” areas by the police.

They are South Rd at Torrensville, the North South Motorway at Regency Park, Port Wakefield Rd at Gepps Cross, the Southern Expressway at Darlington and Port Rd at Hindmarsh.

Cameras for two more locations are being decided, and are expected to be installed by early 2025.

Drivers caught illegally using their phones by the cameras $540 plus a $99 victims of crime levy and three demerit points.

Amendments to Australian road laws earlier in June mean drivers cannot hold their mobile phones in any capacity including in their lap

Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use their phone for any reason – including for navigation or Bluetooth or hand-free calls.

Originally published as Almost 31,000 drivers have been pinged by SAPOL’s new phone detection cameras