Another mobile phone detection camera switched on in SA
Drivers on one of Adelaide’s busiest roads take note, a new mobile phone detection camera has just been switched on in an effort to boost road safety.
SA News
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Another mobile phone detection camera has been switched on, at busy Port Rd at Hindmarsh.
It is the fifth camera to go live.
7NEWS spotted Transport Department workers making last minute adjustments before the device was switched on early on Wednesday morning.
Mobile phone cameras have now been fitted on South Rd, Torrensville, the Southern Expressway at Darlington, the North-South Motorway at Regency Park and Port Wakefield Rd, Gepps Cross, as part of a $15m state government investment to curb road trauma.
A further four more cameras will be installed across two other yet-to-be revealed locations.
Motorists have a grace period during testing before being hit with hefty fines if they risk driving while distracted by using their mobile phones.
From June 19, drivers snapped using their phones will be given a warning, then after three months they face a fine of $540 plus a $99 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points.
As well as improving road safety, the latest mobile phone detection camera will boost Treasury coffers.
A trial at Torrensville detected 5000 motorists using their mobile phones in just one month.
Police say they will manually review every image.
SA Police Superintendent Darren Fielke said mobile phone use had been a suspected cause in more than 1500 crashes this year alone.
“Our message is simple; leave your phone alone while driving,” Supt Fielke said.
“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second … slows down your reaction time and increases the chances of having a crash.”
Police Minister Dan Cregan said: “(These cameras) allow enforcement to continue on a 24/7 basis for people who are, quite frankly, taking their own lives and the lives of others into their own hands while using a mobile phone while driving.
“Testing these cameras gives plenty of notice for every driver to consider their behaviour and, if required, to change it.”
Originally published as Another mobile phone detection camera switched on in SA
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