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: 3, Informative) by fido_dogstoyevsky on Sunday October 21 2018, @09:36PM
We recently revised the legal consequences [vic.gov.au] of drink driving (the "P1" and "P2" licences are the first two stages of a Victorian probationary driver's licence).
Unfortunately, the penalties for using an unsecured mobile phone whilst driving [austlii.edu.au] aren't as severe - this does need looking at. The current penalty is 10 penalty units - at the moment 1 penalty unit=$AU161.19, so it's a $1600 phone call. The regulation does allow the use of a phone as a satnav, but it must be secured to the car and not hand held (or it's $1600 for "turn left here").
It's NOT a conspiracy... it's a plot.