Mobile Phone Detection Cameras a Good Idea?

deme on 01/04/2023 - 12:25

Since 1 March 2020, mobile phone detection cameras, including fixed and transportable cameras, have been targeting drivers illegally using a mobile phone across NSW anywhere, anytime.

The system operates day and night and in all weather conditions, using high-definition cameras to capture images of the front-row cabin space of all vehicles to detect illegal mobile phone use. Since its implementation, the Mobile Phone Detection Camera Program has been successful in reducing illegal mobile phone use on our roads.

Importantly, the software is a screening tool only. If a possible offence is detected, there are then several stages of human review and adjudication before a fine will be issued.

Images containing possible offences are verified by the vendor delivering the program. This check is completed by approved trained staff using a secure network. The images that are viewed at this stage are cropped and pixelated to remove information that would identify the vehicle or the vehicle location. Images that are do not contain offences at this stage are deleted within 72 hours.

If a likely offence is found in the first review of images by the vendor, files are securely transmitted to Transport for NSW for further review by trained officers. Images that are verified at this stage to likely contain an offence are supplied to Revenue NSW.
Revenue NSW conducts final adjudication and issues a fine. If Revenue NSW determines that an offence cannot be proven, then a fine will not be issued.

Do you support Mobile Phone Detection Cameras?

Poll Options

  • 222
    Yes
  • 32
    No
Automotive

Comments

  • Minimum chips on 03/04/2023 - 08:01
    +4

    Yes, road rules should be enforced. Including a lot that currently aren't.

    The $1000 QLD fine is a bit strong though. If someone is doing it tough that could wipe them out, meanwhile the BMWankers who I see on their phones in the city wouldn't be phased.

    I know fines that scale to income are not going to happen here, so instead I'd like to see something everyone will dread as a punishment equally: a mandatory seminar on road safety for anyone caught. 5hrs, with a lunch break but no lunch provided and no decent food nearby. Including PowerPoints, watching informational videos, and a quiz at the end. Attendance taken 4 random times. Just (profanity) everybody's day up equally.

    • ManaSpade on 03/04/2023 - 12:15
      +1

      Yeah this sounds like a great way to hit everyone equally, although….

      Airtasker Add:
      Looking for someone to sit in Traffic School for me.
      Must either look like me or wear sunnies and a hoody all day.
      (Lunch is not provided)

      $400

      • Minimum chips on 05/04/2023 - 21:47
        +1

        Wealth redistribution! Job creation! Trickle down economics!

  • HerpinDerp on 03/04/2023 - 08:53
    +1

    Definitely.

    I was hit by a driver with a phone in their hand last week. Completely avoidable accident, absolutely no reaction to stopped traffic.

    I'm injured, my 6 month old car is written off. Good times

    • deme on 03/04/2023 - 13:01

      Hope you are going better mate and your injuries have healed.

    • Lord Ra on 06/04/2023 - 17:35

      At least it wasn't your 6-month old human! Could have happened to someone else this way. Such people need to be banned for a mimumum of two years. S**tHeads.

  • idonotknowwhy on 03/04/2023 - 09:57
    +3

    There was an AMA from an ex-Vicpol dude on ozbargain years ago, he said that most accidents he attended involved people using their phones while driving.
    It's also (profanity) annoying how long it takes for everyone to start driving after a green light, because they need 3 seconds to finish looking at their phones.

  • dojomojo on 03/04/2023 - 11:48
    +1

    Stopped at red lights, looking in my rear view mirror, I can often see the driver behind doing the familiar "head & eyes, up & down" dance. Glance switching between their phone and the traffic lights. They must not think anyone can see them, Facebook feed too important to leave unchecked for a few minutes.

    • Lord Ra on 06/04/2023 - 17:35

      Here is where I hope coppers on bikes just filter through and check drivers. Never see that during peak.

  • lothus777 on 03/04/2023 - 11:57

    How would they distinguish scrolling and touching a phone? It's all the same..

  • trapper on 03/04/2023 - 15:49
    -3

    I'm ok with these cameras being used where vehicles are actually in motion, put them on motorway bridges etc.

    But I'm pretty sure they will be used mostly to pick off the easy prey at traffic lights, where there isn't any actual danger from 'touching' a phone in the first place.

    • deme on 03/04/2023 - 15:49

      Get off your fcuking phone at the lights

    • Aureus on 04/04/2023 - 19:25
      +2

      People with brains won't get a fine. Hope they chuck them on every intersection.

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