Australian cities are working with several companies to install cameras to capture still images and video to detect drivers using mobile phones on the road to fine them in the same way automated speed cameras work. This is good news for local governments who desperately need an influx of cash in the wake of reduced intake from speeding fines. A recent report showed that there is limited evidence that cameras have led to a change in driver behaviour across the state by acting as a deterrent however it is expected that harshly fining drivers may work better than putting up signs informing drivers that speed cameras are installed ahead. The system for detecting mobile phone use in cars is currently being tested on the M4 motorway in Sydney.
(Score: 4, Insightful) by pipedwho on Sunday October 21 2018, @01:45AM (1 child)
That’s why the revenue cameras are losing out on income. The false positives where people get fines for 20 over why stopped in traffic probably make up a higher percentage than they would if it was actually possible to speed past them. Of late they’ve taken to lowering the speed limits way below the natural or safe speed of a section of road and setting up a camera on the safest stretch where people are used to driving (safely) much faster. And not to forget that everyone slows down to 10 below the limit anywhere near these cameras.
(Score: 2) by Pslytely Psycho on Sunday October 21 2018, @02:28AM
We have Red Light cameras here (got rid of the speed cameras due to controversy, and they only exist in a few bad active school zones with warning signs) and I have been flashed a shitload of times while stopped, or while approaching the intersection but before the crosswalks and twice tagged with a green light! Sometimes in high winds they just pop continuously.
I have never gotten a ticket though, as they also record a live stream. When the camera reports a run through, we have a department that looks at the livestream from the event to determine if there actually was an infraction.
I send those guys a Christmas card every year.
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