Drivers caught by mobile device detection cameras being rolled out on ACT roads from today, Tuesday 14 February, won’t be issued warning notices until mid-year or fines until October.
Three transportable mobile device detection cameras will make their debut on ACT roads from today, along with two fixed cameras on Hindmarsh Drive and Gungahlin Drive. It is part of an ACT government program “helping to reduce driver distraction and make our roads safer for all Canberrans”.
“Initially, transportable cameras will be located on Yamba Drive, Canberra Avenue and Horse Park Drive. They will regularly move to various sites across the road network to provide maximum road safety benefits,” said deputy director-general Transport Canberra and City Services, Ben McHugh, in a media statement.
“This rollout of mobile device detection cameras is an important step and will allow the technology to be integrated with our existing ACT Government systems. Data collection during this phase will also help inform future road safety strategies such as placement of cameras and ACT Policing activities,” Mr McHugh said.
“Drivers will not receive fines or warnings during this initial commissioning phase. Having these cameras out on the road early will help inform the community that mobile detection is coming and the importance of not being distracted while driving.
“Over the coming weeks, Canberrans may also notice two fixed mobile device detection cameras installed on Hindmarsh Drive and Gungahlin Drive.” He said those were the two locations that rated the highest from a crash management perspective.
Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash, with mobile phones too often being the source of that distraction. A driver who looks at their phone for just two seconds while driving at 60km/h travels 33 metres blind.
The cameras will operate day and night in all weather conditions meaning mobile phone usage can be enforced anytime, anywhere.
In the past five financial years, ACT Policing has issued an average of 911 infringements and 260 cautions for using a mobile device when driving. The actual rate of offending is likely to be much higher.
The Centre for Automotive Safety Research at the University of Adelaide provided advice on optimal locations for maximum road safety benefits of fixed and transportable cameras.
This included a review of ACT crash data to identify locations with a high prevalence of crashes or links to distraction.
Key stakeholders identified locations where vulnerable road users are at high risk, mobile device use is common, and enforcement using existing police resources has been difficult.
To coincide with the rollout of mobile device detection cameras, the ACT Government is undertaking an awareness campaign that will run across multiple channels to target drivers before they get in the car and during their commute.
“The ACT Government’s rollout of mobile device detection cameras is another step towards our commitment to ‘Vision Zero’ with no deaths or serious injuries on Canberra’s roads,” said Mr McHugh.
From mid-2023, warning notices will start to be issued to motorists when offences are detected, and infringements notices will commence from October.
Acusensus founder and managing director Alexander Jannink welcomed the ACT Government’s decision to adopt lifesaving smart camera technology to further enhance road safety.
“Our camera enforcement programs in other states are leading the way in changing driver behaviour and reducing road trauma, and I fully expect to see the same positive outcomes in the ACT as a result of this initiative,” Mr Jannink said.
