Over 10,000 Fines Issued for Mobile Phone Use Behind the Wheel in First Month of South Australia's Detection Camera Rollout

In a bold move to enhance road safety, South Australia recently implemented mobile phone detection cameras across the state, and the results from the first month are striking: more than 10,000 fines were issued, amounting to $6.8 million. This enforcement, initiated in late September, has sent a strong message to drivers that using a mobile phone while driving carries serious consequences.

The rollout, which saw cameras placed at five critical locations, yielded over 10,319 fines within the first 30 days. This included 80 drivers who were repeatedly caught, with one driver racking up a staggering 15 fines. Comparing these numbers to New South Wales' similar initiative in 2020—when 11,790 drivers were fined—it’s evident that South Australia's new enforcement is achieving comparable results despite the reduced traffic during NSW's COVID lockdowns.

This enforcement follows a three-month trial period in which approximately 65,252 warning letters were issued. During this period, SAPOL identified that 0.42% of drivers on the road were guilty of using their phones while driving. The initial 30 days of enforcement showed a decline in violations, with an average of 0.23% of drivers still offending. This reduction, though encouraging, underscores the ongoing issue of mobile phone use while driving.

Superintendent Darren Fielke of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch emphasized the importance of these measures: “After much education and a three-month grace period, declining averages of offences show most habitual mobile phone offenders have finally put their phones down or have been taken off the road after too many demerit point deductions.” For drivers caught, the stakes are high, with each offense incurring a $658 fine and three demerit points.

Among the cameras, the one located on the North South Motorway at Regency Park recorded the highest number of violations, issuing 2,816 fines, while the Port Wakefield Road camera at Gepps Cross caught the lowest number with 959 fines. Despite the significant numbers, SAPOL’s focus remains on the long-term impact on road safety, with the data indicating that many drivers are heeding the warning.

South Australia joins New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in using mobile phone detection cameras. In a further evolution, New South Wales recently upgraded its cameras to also detect drivers not wearing seatbelts, signaling a continued push for innovative safety measures across Australia.

With initial data showing a reduction in repeat offenses, SAPOL hopes that the numbers continue to drop as drivers become more aware of the risks and penalties involved. As Superintendent Fielke aptly put it, “Unfortunately, these numbers show that we still have some drivers out there that are not heeding the message and placing themselves and other road users at risk.”

The message from South Australia Police is clear: put down your phone or pay the price. With stringent fines and a commitment to improving road safety, South Australia's initiative serves as both a warning and a model for other regions grappling with distracted driving.