Drivers in Victoria behaving badly behind the wheel are being warned that high-tech road safety cameras currently being trialled are now enforcing fines.
The mobile device and seatbelt detection cameras began operating in April this year, using AI technology to capture high-resolution images of vehicles and detect offences.
From July, drivers will face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt.
During April and May this year, the cameras detected 7,160 offences, including 3,523 drivers and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts and 2,870 drivers using mobile phones.
Up until July, drivers have been issued with an advisory letter throughout a three month grace period.
“We know that driver distraction is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions, and the time for complacency is over,” said Minister for Police Anthony Carbines.
“These cameras will be deployed all over the state and they will catch those drivers not buckled up or distracted by phones.
“Drivers have a responsibility of not just keeping themselves and others in their car safe, but everyone else using the road too. Every life lost on the roads is avoidable – I urge Victorians to do the right thing on the roads.”
There are currently four camera trailer systems in operation, enforcing more than 8,000 hours each month. The cameras can be deployed to up to 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas. A further two camera trailer systems will be operational in the coming months.
