New mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are set to be operating across the state’s road network soon, including locations in Footscray and Altona.
Police Minister Anthony Carbines announced that the new AI-enabled cameras are now officially turned on to help catch people using their mobile phone and not wearing their seatbelts while driving.
The new cameras are set to be located across the state, including on Barkly Street in Footscray and on Queen Street in Altona.
Initially, two mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera trailer systems will roll out, with plans to deploy additional trailers from mid-2023 onwards across more than 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas throughout Victoria.
A three-month grace period will apply from the technology’s activation before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties with advisory letters sent.
The new rules will extend current mobile phone laws to cover modern technologies like in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches) and portable devices (such as tablets).
The rollout of the cameras coincides with new driver distraction road rules which came into effect across the state on Friday, bringing Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne said the new rules are in place to protect the lives of all Victorians.
“Any moment we’re distracted when driving is dangerous,” she said.
