Roadside cameras set to target more infringements
Millions of Aussie drivers are being warned as authorities expand the number of infringements being targeted by roadside cameras.
The technology, initially used to detect mobile phone use, will now target new road rules.
"The laws were brought in and this technology was brought in as a preventative measure ... to stop people getting behind the wheel and taking risks that jeopardise the safety of others," NRMA head of media told Yahoo News.
"The road toll is terrible nationally in Australia ... So we need to do everything we can to reduce risks on our roads."
In NSW authorities are expanding the capabilities of their roadside mobile-detection cameras.
From July 1 the cameras will be able to catch drivers wearing their seatbelt incorrectly.
This comes after Queensland reportedly became the first jurisdiction in the world to roll out seatbelt-spotting detection along with mobile-detection.
Last year, Victoria also rolled out dual mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras last year after a two year trial.
No grace period will be granted when they issue the seatbelt fines.
"The expansion of mobile phone detection cameras to also apply to seatbelt offences reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to enforcing the 50-year-old seatbelt law, actively contributing to improving road safety and reducing fatalities on NSW roads," a statement read on their official website.
The department told Yahoo that all images captured by roadside cameras are automatically reviewed by software.
Those that do not contain evidence of an offence will have their images deleted within an hour.
Drivers in the ACT will need to make sure they have proper insurance and registration.
From August, the roadside cameras alongside speed cameras and red light cameras will be used to send hefty fines to those driving without proper registration or insurance.
Those caught by the cameras will have their paperwork manually checked by transport staff.
An infringement for driving an unregistered vehicle in the ACT is $700 while the fine for driving an uninsured car is $973.
The mobile detection cameras could also soon be programmed to detect speeding in the ACT.
In South Australia, authorities began testing overhead mobile detection cameras at four busy locations in April, fines are currently not being issued, but the grace period is due to finish on June 19.
Drivers caught using their phones in Adelaide will be fined $540 and three demerit points.
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