The South Australian Government is set to permanently install five mobile phone detection cameras across Adelaide, following a successful trial in 2023.
The cameras will be located on the Southern Expressway in Darlington, South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Road in Hindmarsh, and Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross.
They will be installed on existing digital variable message signage and are expected to be in operation by June, pending final reviews.
Mobile phone detection cameras, or MPDC, work by capturing high-quality images from multiple angles through drivers’ windscreens, with AI software flagging when it detects the use of a mobile phone.
The images are then verified by SA Police.
After the cameras are operational in June, a three-month educational period will begin, allowing drivers time to adapt to the new system. During this time, no fines or demerit points will apply.
However, from September onwards, heavy fines of $540, plus a $99 victims of crime levy, will be issued to anyone caught using their phone illegally while driving.
Three demerit points will also be issued.
The SA Government has stressed that all funds collected from these fines will be directed to the Community Road Safety Fund.
This fund delivers road safety initiatives, including improvements, educational programs, and public advertising campaigns.
Mobile Phone Detection Cameras are currently in operation in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, while a three-month grace period is underway in the Australian Capital Territory.