New mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras were launched across Sunbury and Macedon Ranges on Monday, April 3.
The new technology detects and captures when drivers use mobile phones and when people in the front seats are not wearing seatbelts.
Locations across Sunbury and Macedon Ranges include Trentham Road and Burton Avenue in Kyneton, Black Forest Drive in Woodend, Melton Road in Gisborne, Calder Freeway in Diggers Rest, and Bulla and Oaklands Road in Bulla.
Assistant Commissioner Road Policing Glenn Weir said using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt can have serious consequences.
“Mobile phone distraction and failure to wear a seatbelt are major contributing factors in death and serious injury collisions,” he said.
“Police will continue to conduct enforcement initiatives and engage with the community about the impact of distraction and dangers of failing to wear a seatbelt.”
Victoria Police said there will be a three month advisory period during the camera roll-out, and individuals caught throughout this time will only receive a warning.
They said this only applies if an individual has been detected by the camera, and police can still issue fines if they catch drivers in person.
Failure to wear a seatbelt will result in a $370 fine and three demerit points, and if caught using a mobile phone while driving a $555 fine will be issued and four demerit points.
Victoria Police said they will publish a list of camera locations monthly, following the expansion and clarification of rules for mobile phones, which came into effect from March 31.
They said it is predicted 95 casualty crashes will be prevented each year due to the roll-out of the cameras.
Details: bit.ly/3K6r1xJ
Zoe Moffatt
