Mobile phone detection cameras are now being trialled in NSW to clamp down on illegal mobile phone use while behind the wheel.

On just one day in October a staggering 11,000 people were photographed illegally using their mobile phone while driving. That’s 11,000 people on just one day. Thus, NSW has become the first jurisdiction in the country to trial the use of mobile phone detection cameras. In 2017, NSW Police issued 42,000 fines for illegal mobile phone use while driving.

The two-location trial runs from January to April 2019. And while no fines will be issued during the trial, anyone snapped using their phone illegally while driving will receive a letter in the mail. The cameras work in low light, night time and during bad weather and the mounting point of the cameras mean that holding your phone below the window line won’t allow you to evade capture; they can tell if you’re reading, texting, listening or talking.

The trial locations are Clunies Ross Street overpass on the M4 and Anzac Parade in Sydney.

In announcing the trial, Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said during the month-long test period in October 2018 conducted by camera compaby OneTask (after a tender by more than 20 other providers), more than 11,000 drivers a day were detected using a mobile phone illegally.

“If at the end of the trial, the technology proves to be foolproof, the community will be made aware of its permanent use,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Seventy-four per cent of the NSW community support the use of cameras to enforce mobile phone offences. I strongly believe this technology will change driver behaviour and save lives.”

Currently, in NSW, the fine for using a mobile phone illegally while driving is five demerit points.