A three-month warning period will commence from Friday 3 November for mobile device detection cameras, as part of the next phase of making Canberra's roads even safer.
From this date, motorists detected using their mobile device by the cameras will receive a written warning before infringements and demerit points start being issued from February 2024.
Three transportable road safety cameras were introduced on Canberra's roads in February 2023, along with a fixed camera on Hindmarsh Drive (near the Monaro Highway overpass) in June.
A second fixed camera will be installed on Gungahlin Drive (near the Barton Highway overpass) by the end of 2023.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the warning phase for the new cameras will reinforce the need for behaviour change.
"Since we've been collecting data, over 39,000 Canberrans have been detected using a mobile device, highlighting the significant road safety issue we are currently facing," said Minister Steel.
"That number translates to cameras detecting over 150 people currently breaking the law daily when they get behind the wheel.
"Any time you take your eyes off the road you are risking your own life and the lives of other road users. Any activity that distracts a driver can result in higher speeds, lane deviations and delays in reaction time.
"We are asking motorists to leave their phone alone. Now is the time to change bad habits, put your phone down and prioritise getting yourself and all road users home safely."
The cameras will be able to detect:
- a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device in their hand at the ear or above the shoulder,
- a driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device by resting the device between the ear and the driver's shoulder,
- a driver holding a mobile device in their hand or hands, including where it is held at chest level or below,
- a driver touching, but not holding, a mobile device with their hand where the device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, and
- a mobile device that is resting on any part of the body of a driver whether or not the device is also touched or held (except where the device is in a pocket of the driver's clothing or in a pouch that is worn by the driver).
Throughout the three-month warning period the third phase of a comprehensive road safety campaign will be undertaken. The campaign will ensure the community is aware that it is illegal to use their mobile device while driving and will provide substantial warning that infringements will commence from February 2024 for any driver who chooses to break the law.
It is important to note that ACT Policing is still issuing infringements to drivers they detect illegally using their mobile phone. The warning period only applies to mobile detection cameras.
The goal of mobile device detection cameras is to increase road safety by utilising the latest in road safety technology to deter and detect unsafe driving.
The roll out of these detection cameras is part of delivering on the ACT Government's commitment to 'Vision Zero' of no deaths or serious injuries on Canberra's roads.
