Hi-tech cameras have caught more than 11,000 drivers on their phone behind the wheel – and that’s only in one month.
The state-of-the-art cameras are so powerful they can catch any motorist on their phone travelling up to 300km/h on NSW roads.
The Daily Telegraph reported the cameras use artificial intelligence to pierce through windshields and catch culprits.
Hi-tech cameras have caught more than 11,000 drivers on their phone behind the wheel, and that’s only in one month
One driver went so far to hold their phone with both hands while the passenger took over the steering. The pair were travelling at 80km/h
The fixed or mobile cameras operate 24 hours a day and in rain, hail or sunshine.
Roads Minister Melinda Pavey had pushed for the cameras to be portable to keep drivers guessing.
In a four-week long test run on Sydney’s M4 more than 11,000 drivers were caught using their phones while behind the wheel.
Ms Pavey said the images taken in October was a startling reminder of the dangerous reality on NSW roads.
‘People are trying to be sneaky and people are being dangerous and not driving, not concentrating and it’s impacting safety and it’s impacting congestion,’ she said.
‘Police have a line of sight above the window line, but now we’ll have a line of sight through the window, from top down, so you won’t be able to hide anymore. We’ve got the technology now to get you.’
From using phones and electronic tablets in their laps to using the electrical devices while driving at high speeds, drivers were caught out on all fronts.
One driver went so far to hold their phone with both hands while the passenger took over the steering. The pair were travelling at 80km/h.
With the state government determined to crackdown on phone use in cars, the cameras will be rolled out at several busy roads next month.
Drivers can expect to see them on Anzac Parade in Moore Park and on the M4 at Clunies Ross Street overpass at Prospect.
Those texting, emailing, video messaging or taking photos on phones will be fined.
With the State Government determined to crackdown on phone use in cars, the cameras will be rolled out at several busy roads next month
Drivers can expect to see them on Anzac Parade in Moore Park and on the M4 at Clunies Ross Street overpass at Prospect
Texting, emailing, video messaging or taking photos on phones will no longer be allowed for drivers
Albeit, they will still be able to make and answer calls only if the phone is fixed in a cradle, or if it can be used hands-free.
The technology will continue to be trialed for a further three-month pilot period.
If successful, drivers will receive fines for a month before fines are brought in.
Penalties can cost drivers five demerit points and $337 fine.
For those breaking the new rule in a school zone, their fine will be upped to $448.
While the new cameras come with steep fines, it’s a small cost compared to a much steeper one the mastermind behind the new technology had to pay.
Alexander Jannink, 34, lost a friend in a terrifying crash in 2013.
James Rapley was cycling in Los Angeles.
A young driver in a Mercedes ran into the bike and hit the cyclist from behind.
Mr Jannink and Mr Rapley were not only just friends, but also business partners.
Roads Minister Melinda Pavey had pushed for the cameras to be portable to keep drivers guessing
He had hired his friend to develop a NSW mobile speed camera enforcement system.
‘We worked together for about three years very closely,’ Mr Jannink said.
Mr Rapley was headhunted to work in the US.
After the tragic collision between the bike and car, Mr Rapley’s family and his long-term partner did not seek vengeance against the driver.
Instead of jail time they asked the 19-year-old to do community service.
Mr Jannink, fueled on the grief of loss, founded Acusensus.
The company was driven to develop the first, mobile phone monitoring camera.
Acusensus was one of three companies that competed for the State Government contract to build the cameras.
Mr Jannink’s company won that bid and now he is determined to stop other people from losing their friends the same way he did.
Ms Pavey said the images taken in October was a startling reminder of the dangerous reality on NSW roads