Mobile Phone Detection Cameras In Use in NSW

[advrider]

The government of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has been using high-definition camera systems to catch drivers illegally using cell phones while they drive. The same cameras will also be used to catch seatbelt offences in the future as part of a road safety plan outlined by the state.

The laws for cell phone use in NSW mirror many other jurisdictions, where phone use is only allowed while driving if the phone can be operated hands-free, or fixed to a cradle attached to the vehicle, and only for calls, music, or for navigation. Other phone functions are not allowed unless the vehicle is stationary, such as texting, emailing, video calls, web browsing, etc.

The camera system used to catch offenders is said to work day or night, and in all weather conditions, and captures images of the front seat area, as seen below.

NSW is Australia’s most populous state, and home to its largest city, Sydney. The state’s 2026 Safety Action Plan aims to reduce deaths by 50%, and serious injuries by 30%, by the year 2030. Part of the plan is to use the cameras already in use to enforce cell phone use for catching seatbelt offences as well. The government plans to inform the public about the use of the cameras for seatbelt enforcement prior to beginning that aspect of the program.

Cell phone use while driving has become a major issue on roadways around the world, and studies have shown that simply texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk. This is especially dangerous for motorcyclists, who are far more vulnerable than cars and trucks when involved in an accident.

While driver aid technology and self-driving cars are expected to significantly reduce accidents and injuries on the roadways, the technology is currently not yet advanced or widespread enough to offset the dangerous use of cell phones at this time. Hopefully, programs such as the camera systems in use in NSW will help to keep road users safe in the meantime.

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