World’s first camera to detect motorists using mobile phones catches passenger steering while driver TEXTS – and it could be coming to the UK
THE world's first camera to catch drivers using their mobile phones has arrived - and it could come to the UK.
Being rolled out in New South Wales, Australia, the high-tech system has already captured shocking images of motorists breaking the law, including one driver texting while their passenger steers the car.
The system is just like a speed camera but can detect and capture when a motorist is illegally using their phone behind the wheel.
An initial month-long trial detected as many as 400 drivers in Sydney making calls, texting or taking selfies each day.
The NSW Gov will employ another 90-day trial starting in January 2019, in an attempt to stop the "endemic" use of phones.
Motorists will only be issued with warnings during the trial, but sanctions of five penalty points and fines up to $488 (£250) fines will be imposed for Sydney drivers if the trial is successful.
When is it legal to use a mobile phone behind the wheel?
- Skipping music, declining a call or unlocking your phone: Illegal. Any physical interaction with your phone will be classified as "using it".
- Programming your phone as a sat nav: Illegal. You must set the route before you turn on your car and set off on your journey.
- Using hands-free/Bluetooth kits: Legal. As long as you aren't distracted from focusing on the road.
- Using your phone when the car is stationary. e.g. in traffic or at a red light: Illegal. While the engine is on and you are in control of the car, it is illegal to touch your phone.
- Sitting in the driver's seat with the engine switched off: Legal. As long as you are pulled over to the side of the road in a safe location.
- Using voice commands. e.g. Siri: Legal. But only if you don't need to touch your phone at all to do so, and aren't distracted from driving. If you have to pick up your phone to enable voice commands, it is illegal.
Campaigners now want similar measures put in place in the UK.
Phone use behind the wheel is a massive problem in Britain as well, with millions admitting to doing it but getting away with it.
Penalties were doubled to £200 and six points last year - and figures show 30,470 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to drivers for using their phones in 2017.
But the RAC's Be Phone Smart campaign wants more to be done - including giving cops better ways to catch drivers.
Campaign spokesman Rod Dennis said: "One of the real challenges in clamping down on this dangerous behaviour is making drivers believe they will be caught – and given the increasing prevalence of mobile phones, it is very much a global problem.
"Motorists need to believe that using a handheld phone brings real consequences – and move on from thinking that it is just a minor momentary indiscretion that will go unpunished.
"So new technology, such as that proposed by the New South Wales government, could be a game-changer in the UK.
"If proven to be accurate in detecting illegal use, it could really help shift behaviour and, in turn, save lives. We would encourage enforcement agencies here to look into what role it could play."
Speed cameras in the UK can already spot drivers breaking laws like not wearing seatbelts or using phones but it requires cops to analyse photos rather than automatically issue a fine.
And in November, police in Gloucestershire revealed a powerful new camera able to spy on drivers a mile away and catch them on their phone.
Australia is also leading the way in parking cameras after we revealed councils are trialling a new system that can scan 1,000 cars an hour to fine drivers overstaying - but this isn't coming to the UK any time soon.