More than 8000 drivers have been stung by South Australia’s new phone detection cameras in their first week of operation, a move that could soon cost them dearly.
The five cameras became operational on June 19, and from that date to June 25, police said 8,603 potential offences were recorded.
So far, 6397 warning letters have been sent to drivers, and police say not all potential incidents had been determined, and the number of letters may increase over the next few days.
Drivers nabbed by the new cameras during the three-month “educational period” from June to September will not be fined or lose demerit points, but will instead receive a warning letter.
From September 19, South Australia Police will issue fines and demerits to drivers detected illegally using a mobile phone.
The offence carries a $556 fine, plus a victims of crime levy of $120 for adults and $20 for those under 18, and three demerit points.
Cameras have been installed in five high-risk locations: South Road, Torrensville, North South Motorway, Regency Park, Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross, Southern Expressway, Darlington, and Port Road, Hindmarsh.