Thousands of NSW motorists have been caught illegally using their phone during the first week of the mobile phone detection camera program.
From 1 December to 7 December 2019, 3303 motorists were caught breaking the law by fixed and mobile trailer-mounted cameras across NSW. The cameras captured a total of 773,532 drivers.
Until the start of March 2020, motorists caught by a mobile phone detection camera will receive a warning letter. When the warning phase ends, drivers will receive a $344 fine, or $457 in a school zone, and five demerit points – 10 during double demerit periods.
It is illegal for motorists to call, text, email, access social media, browse the internet or take photos with their mobile phone, unless their car is parked. It is also illegal to hold and use a mobile phone at any time while driving or riding.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said around 500 drivers a day are getting pinged by the cameras doing the wrong thing.
"At 60km/h if you look at your phone while driving for just two seconds, you travel 33 metres blind – it’s dangerous and it needs to stop," Mr Constance said.
"With double demerits starting Friday we need drivers to get the message and get off the phone, otherwise they risk killing themselves or someone innocent on our roads."
The mobile phone detection camera program will perform an estimated 135 million vehicle checks on NSW roads each year by 2023.