More than 2500 fines handed out in first few weeks from mobile phone detection cameras

Potentially $1.3 million (at least) has been made in the first few weeks of fines being issued from the photos taken by the ACT’s mobile phone detection cameras.

Between 20 February (when the fines period began) and 6 March, 1.16 million vehicles were checked by both fixed and transportable cameras.

This has resulted in 2576 infringements being issued, which are worth $514 (and three demerit points) if you’re caught holding your phone for a call, or $632 (and four demerit points) for using the phone to send a text message, access the internet or check social media.

Of these infringements, 192 vehicles have received more than one notice.

The technology behind the cameras detects mobile phones or phone-shaped objects to determine whether an offence is potentially being committed.

The cameras take three clear photos of the vehicle, both up close and far away, and then send it off as an ‘evidence package’ for human confirmation by people known as adjudicators.

They then confirm the details of the vehicle and that the phone is, in fact, being used illegally.

It’s important to note the infringement notice is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, who may not be the person driving the vehicle at the time of the detected offence.

If the adjudicators determine a driver had not been holding or touching a phone, the evidence package is rejected and deleted.

The technology is currently not programmed to detect other instances of distracted driving, such as having a pet in your lap, putting on makeup, or eating cereal while driving (which has been seen in other jurisdictions).

The ACT Government has insisted this is a road safety initiative rather than a cash grab, and data indicates drivers appear to be changing their behaviour.

“The community is reminded that it has been an offence to use a mobile device while driving in the ACT for over 20 years,” a spokesperson said.

“While the monthly detection rate for the transportable and fixed cameras is gradually decreasing over time, there are still too many people using their mobile device while driving, putting all other road users at risk.”

During the warning period, about 225 drivers were caught on their phones each day. That’s now down to an average of 161 drivers detected on phones each day.

The fixed camera on Gungahlin Drive continues to be the busiest site, both for vehicles passing through the camera and people getting caught.

It has recorded 1230 infringements, with 88 vehicles receiving multiple notices.

People can dispute the infringement notice, apply for a waiver, or have it withdrawn; however, most have been electing to pay the fine once they see the pictures.

Registered owners can also apply to have the fine altered if they weren’t the person who was driving the vehicle.

There are options available if you can’t pay the fine immediately.

“The ACT Government understands that some Canberra households are facing cost-of-living pressures,” the spokesperson said.

“Payment plans will be available for vulnerable members of the community who may struggle to pay the infringement in full.”

More information about mobile phone detection cameras can be found through ACT City Services.