NSW Road Cameras Enhanced to Monitor Traffic in Both Directions
Drivers in New South Wales face a higher likelihood of being caught for traffic violations following a significant upgrade to roadside camera systems announced by Transport for NSW. From Sunday, March 1, ten transportable mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will be capable of operating in both directions on single-lane roads. This enhancement means the cameras can now monitor and detect offences in both traffic flows, rather than being limited to two lanes travelling in one direction only.
Increased Vehicle Numbers Prompt Camera Expansion
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray explained that the upgrade is necessary due to a substantial rise in registered vehicles since mobile phone detection cameras were first introduced in 2019. 'When we switched on mobile phone detection cameras almost seven years ago, the target was to be able to check each registered vehicle in NSW an average of at least 20 times a year,' Mr Murray stated. 'Since then, the number of registered vehicles in NSW has jumped almost 12 per cent, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million.'
He highlighted the positive impact of the camera program on road safety, with seatbelt offences added to its scope in 2024. Statistics show that the cameras serve as a deterrent, contributing to safer roads. 'One in just under every 1,300 vehicles checked by these cameras in 2025 had someone breaking seatbelt laws, while around one in every 1,200 were caught using their mobile phone illegally,' Mr Murray reported. 'This is compared to as many as one in every 400 cars when we first started camera enforcement of mobile phone offences.'
Road Safety Benefits and Fines
Mr Murray emphasised that the cameras have saved lives by encouraging behavioural changes, particularly regarding seatbelt use and mobile phone distractions, which are key factors in road fatalities. 'We know lives have been saved as people change their behaviours in response to awareness and education with seatbelt use and distractions through phone use featuring as key contributors to the road toll,' he said. 'We need to ensure our program continues to check the appropriate number of vehicles, and we use our technology to its full effect.'
The expansion of the transportable cameras will commence in March and is expected to take six months to complete. Fixed mobile phone and seatbelt cameras will remain unchanged. All fines from camera infringements are directed towards funding additional road safety programs.
Penalties and Regulations for Drivers
Mobile Phone Use:
- Full licence holders must use a mobile phone cradle or Bluetooth while driving.
- The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $423, or $562 in school zones, plus 5 demerit points.
- Learner and provisional drivers are prohibited from using phones entirely while driving.
Seatbelt Compliance:
- Wearing seatbelts has been compulsory since 1971.
- On average, 29 drivers and passengers are killed and 76 seriously injured annually due to improper seatbelt use.
- The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly is a $423 fine and 3 demerit points.
This upgrade underscores Transport for NSW's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance road safety and reduce traffic offences across the state.
