Unmarked police motorcycles deployed statewide following a successful trial

Drivers who think they can get away with using their phones behind the wheel have been warned to think twice as three new unmarked police motorcycles hit the streets statewide.

DRIVERS who believe they can get away with using their phones behind the wheel have been warned to think again as three new unmarked police motorcycles hit the streets.

More than a 1000 offences were detected in Hobart during a recent three-month trial of the motorcycles — one in four of which were linked to drivers’ mobile phone use.

Speeding, inattention and traffic light offences were also targeted.

Tasmania Police Inspector Darren Hopkins said the unmarked motorcycles provided “another tool in the toolbox of law enforcement”.

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“If you’re down looking at your phone you’re not going to see this bike coming up beside you,” he said.

“There’s always those people that as soon as they see a marked police vehicle will slow down or behave themselves, but the behaviour is different when they think they’re not being watched — this is how we watch them.”

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Police Minister Mark Shelton said the introduction of helmet-mounted recording cameras had led to only one person challenging an infringement so far.

“Motorcycle officers report that there has been a noticeable change in driver behaviour,” Mr Shelton said.

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“The program has also received strong public support with many motorists supportive of mobile phone enforcement and other offences that contribute to traffic congestion.

The three different motorcycle models are all fitted with full lights and sirens.

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