General News
3 July, 2023
Fine-free period ends for new road safety cameras
The fine-free trial period for Victoria’s road safety cameras has ended, which means Victorians can expect to get a fine in the mail if they’re caught doing the wrong thing. The cameras use AI technology to target drivers using their mobile...
The fine-free trial period for Victoria’s road safety cameras has ended, which means Victorians can expect to get a fine in the mail if they’re caught doing the wrong thing.
The cameras use AI technology to target drivers using their mobile phones or failing to wear a seatbelt while on the road and were rolled out in a trial period from April.
During April and May, the cameras detected 7160 offences, including 3523 drivers and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts and 2870 drivers using mobile phones.
Until now, those caught doing the wrong thing were issued an advisory letter to give them the opportunity to heed safety warnings and adjust their behaviour before enforcement began.
However as of Saturday, that grace period has ended meaning drivers will now face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt.
The are currently four camera trailer systems in operation across Victoria, which can be deployed to up to 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas.
A further two camera trailer systems will be operational in the coming months.
“We know that driver distraction is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions, and the time for complacency is over. These cameras will be deployed all over the state and they will catch those drivers not buckled up or distracted by phones,” Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said.
According to the State Government, drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are texting, browsing or emailing on their mobile phone.
In 2022, nearly a quarter of vehicle occupants who died and their seatbelt status was known, were not wearing a seatbelt.