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Adelaide Drivers, Another Mobile Phone Detection Camera Hits The Roads

The fifth mobile phone detection camera has been activated along the busy Port Road. 

This initiative is part of a $15 million investment by the South Australian government to reduce road trauma by targeting driver distractions.

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The mobile phone detection cameras use advanced technology to capture high-quality images from multiple angles through the driver’s windscreen.

Data from last year showed that nearly 5,000 South Australian drivers were caught using their phones by mobile phone detection cameras, detecting 4,955 incidents between April 1 and April 28.

SAPOL Assistant Commissioner State Operations Service Ian Parrot said: “Unfortunately, mobile phone use is becoming increasingly common while driving, everyone would have seen someone using their mobile phone while driving.” 

These cameras are placed at key locations, including South Rd in Torrensville, the Southern Expressway in Darlington, the North-South Motorway in Regency Park, and Port Wakefield Rd in Gepps Cross. 

Two additional undisclosed locations will soon see the installation of four more cameras, bringing the total to six new detection points.

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Currently, these cameras are undergoing testing and will officially start recording on June 19. 

From June to September, there will be a grace period during which drivers caught using their mobile phones will receive warning letters from SA Police instead of fines or demerit points. 

However, starting September 19, offenders will face a $540 fine, a $99 victims of crime levy, and three demerit points.

GetHome Safe Foundation President Darren Davis said these cameras are just one way to reduce deaths and injuries due to distraction.

“I truly believe that society has had enough,” Davis said.

“We ask everyone out there to stop accepting that driving while looking at or using mobile devices is ok, it’s not.”

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