South Australia Police (SAPOL) has revealed a significant reduction in mobile phone offences since the state introduced mobile phone detection cameras.
Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch, Superintendent Shane Johnson says mobile phone detection cameras have sent a clear message to drivers that those caught using a mobile phone illegally will be fined.
“The large reduction in offending is a positive result for road safety in South Australia,” he said.
Mobile Phone Detection Cameras were introduced in June 2024. In their first three months of operation, there were 64,454 warning letters sent to registered owners as a part of an expiation grace period.
Enforcement then began on September 19, 2024, with 28,120 fines sent in the first three months – including a penalty of $556 plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points from offences detected by mobile phone detection cameras.
In the first six months to March 18, a total of 46,476 fines were sent to registered owners.
Of these mobile phone offences:
- 12,645 were detected at North South Motorway, Regency Park
- 11,828 at South Road, Torrensville
- 9482 at Southern Expressway, Darlington
- 8470 at Port Road, Hindmarsh
- 4051 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross
Mobile phone detection cameras were introduced to these five high-risk sites across metropolitan Adelaide in June 2024.
“The downward trend shows that mobile phone detection cameras have made drivers stop and think about their mobile phone use,” said Johnson.
Despite declining offences, police investigations into repeat offenders are underway.
“The number of repeat offenders has been disappointing, and police continue to investigate these offences. These drivers face a loss of licence and significant fines,” Johnson explained.
One offender received a total of 41 fines from the mobile phone detection cameras, totalling close to $27,000; while another received 28 fines, totalling over $18,000.
Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan MP added, “These figures show the success of the mobile phone detection cameras is driving down mobile phone use behind the wheel at these key locations.
“However it’s clear that their rate of use is still far too high and we have more work to do getting the message through to drivers to leave their phones alone while driving.
“If you’re looking at your mobile phone, you’re essentially driving blind, and you’ll face the full force of the law.”
Two additional camera locations are currently being considered and expected to be installed in the near future.