Drivers in New South Wales (NSW) caught on camera illegally using their mobile phone will now be issued with a fine and demerit points.
The NSW Government’s world-first mobile phone detection cameras came into force in December and have been operating in warning mode, but drivers caught doing the wrong thing will now also receive a $344 fine and five demerit points.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said nine million vehicles had been checked by the cameras during the three-month warning period, with more than 30,000 warning letters issued to offending drivers.
“We’re seeing more than 99 percent of drivers doing the right thing, so when we compare this with the findings from the pilot last year, it is clear drivers are starting to get the message,” he said.
“As fines and demerits start to be issued we expect the number of offences could fall even further, making NSW roads safer for everyone.”
The cameras are both fixed and transportable. There are plans to move the trailer-mounted cameras around the state.
