South Australia is continuing its push to reduce road trauma, with two major Adelaide corridors set to receive new mobile phone detection cameras as part of the State Government’s expanding crackdown on distracted driving. North East Road at Valley View and Payneham Road at Felixstow have been confirmed as the next locations, with construction of the supporting gantries beginning soon and full operation expected by mid-2026.
Mobile phone detection cameras were first introduced in South Australia last year, capturing tens of thousands of drivers using their devices illegally. Since the initial installation across five sites, the number of drivers being caught has steadily declined, signalling that the system is successfully shifting behaviour. Almost 80,000 expiation notices have now been issued, with Regency Park recording the highest volume at around 21,000 drivers.
The locations for the next cameras were chosen based on high traffic volumes and detailed analysis by Adelaide University’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research. A key factor in the stage two rollout was increasing the geographic spread of coverage across suburban Adelaide, ensuring the deterrent reaches a broader cross-section of road users.
Alongside the camera technology, the new gantries will also include variable message signage, enabling real-time updates about travel times, incidents, road closures and safety alerts. Unlike last year’s initial rollout, these two new sites will not include an educational period, meaning drivers who are caught will immediately face penalties of $573, plus a $105 victims of crime levy, and three demerit points.
Chief Executive of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Jon Whelan, said the continued investment in detection cameras reflects their importance in improving safety on the state’s roads. “The expansion of these mobile phone detection cameras is a real testament to the powerful message they are sending to drivers who think it’s okay to break the law,” he said. “We know that distraction is one of the fatal five and that using a mobile phone behind the wheel is one of the major sources of this. The data for how dangerous driver distraction is on our roads is startling, you are more than four times as likely to be involved in a crash while using a mobile phone behind the wheel. The best outcome would be for these cameras not to generate any money through fines. I’m hopeful that they will continue to act as a strong deterrent and make sure people do the right thing.”
SA Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott reinforced the message, warning that the cost of distraction extends far beyond fines. “Using your mobile phone while driving is irresponsible. It will cost you financially and the distraction could cost your life,” he said. “Secure your phone safely before you start your journey, if it falls or dislodges it can easily become an unnecessary distraction while you’re driving.”
Construction of the new gantries has been awarded to Fulton Hogan, with work already underway ahead of a wider stage-three rollout that will see 15 additional cameras installed across six more locations. The Department for Infrastructure and Transport is continuing to work closely with SA Police to identify the next suitable sites.
