Two busy Adelaide routes will soon have mobile phone detection cameras installed, with another six locations to follow at a later date.
The SA Government says the move is part of a crackdown on distracted drivers.
The next two locations to have mobile phone detection cameras installed are North East Road, Valley View and Payneham Road, Felixstow.
Construction of the two new gantries needed for the cameras will commence soon, with the system expected to be switched on and operating by mid-2026.
Mobile phone detection cameras were first introduced in South Australia last year at five locations. Since being installed, the number of drivers being caught by them has steadily declined.
The new sites were selected based on their high traffic flow and data by Adelaide University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research. Key criterion for the stage two rollout was to cover a greater radius of Adelaide’s metropolitan suburbs.
Chief Executive Jon Whelan, Department for Infrastructure and Transport said, “The expansion of these mobile phone detection cameras is a real testament to the powerful message they are sending to drivers who think it’s okay to break the law.
“We know that distraction is one of the fatal five and that using a mobile phone behind the wheel is one of the major sources of this.
“The data for how dangerous driver distraction is on our roads is startling, you are more than four times as likely to be involved in a crash while using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
“The best outcome would be for these cameras not to generate any money through fines. I’m hopeful that they will continue to act as a strong deterrent and make sure people do the right thing.”
In addition to the cameras, the gantries will have variable message signage installed on them, allowing drivers to be notified about traffic conditions, incidents, road closures, travel time, and safety alerts.
Unlike the initial rollout last year, there will be no educational period for these two new sites. Penalties include fines of $573 (plus $105 victims of crime levy) and three demerit points.
Since SA Police began issuing fines with the mobile phone detection cameras late last year, close to 80,000 expiation notices have been sent out. Regency Park is snapping the most, with around 21,000 drivers being caught doing the wrong thing.
The SA Government says all funds raised from the fines go to the Community Road Safety Fund, to deliver road safety initiatives across the state, including safety improvements and education programs.
The cameras work by capturing high quality images from multiple angles through the driver’s windscreen, with artificial intelligence software identifying drivers that are using a mobile phone.
All images of potential offences are then validated by SA Police, with any images assessed as complying with the law deleted.
Fulton Hogan has been awarded the contract to build the two new gantries that will house the cameras and variable message signage.
Work is also underway in preparation for stage three of the detection camera rollout, with an additional 15 cameras to be installed across six locations. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is currently working closely with SA Police to identify suitable sites.
SA Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott added, “Using your mobile phone while driving is irresponsible. It will cost you financially and the distraction could cost your life.
“Secure your phone safely before you start your journey, if it falls or dislodges it can easily become an unnecessary distraction while you’re driving.”