For the first three months, drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera will receive a warning letter. After that, the penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $344 fine ($457 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
The program will progressively expand to perform an estimated 135 million vehicle checks on NSW roads each year by 2023.
Executive Director of Transport for NSW’s Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said a trial of cameras earlier this year caught over 100,000 drivers illegally using a phone.
“Independent modeling has shown these cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years,” Mr Carlon said.
“There is strong community support for more enforcement, with 80% of people surveyed supporting the use of detection cameras to stop illegal mobile phone use.”
NSW Police will continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue fines as part of the camera program.
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