Adelaide Drivers at Risk of Incorrect Fines from Mobile Phone Detection Cameras, FOI Reveals
7NEWS
SKIPPED
Details
- Date Published
- 14 May 2024
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 8 Mar 2025, 02:41 pm
Description
Thousands of drivers have been detected by a trial of overhead cameras - but the technology is faulty in one crucial way.
Summary
A trial of mobile phone detection cameras in Adelaide has revealed potential errors in the system that could wrongly fine drivers. The trial, aimed at improving road safety, uses AI technology that has reportedly misassigned violations when vehicles pass or slow down in detection zones. Despite the system's flaws, the South Australian government ensures manual review of potential fines by human personnel. While the system is part of a road safety agenda, its errors present challenges in ensuring accurate enforcement. This case highlights the broader issue of reliance on AI in public safety and the necessity of rigorous testing before full implementation.
Body
An error with South Australia’s mobile phone detection system means drivers may be wrongly slapped with fines. The SA government is running a trial of overhead mobile phone detection cameras in five locations around Adelaide as part of an effort to improve road safety. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: SA drivers at risk of copping unfair fines. Cameras on South Rd at Torrensville detected 6655 offences between April 1 and April 28 last year, and Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Dan Cregan said it was an offence for people to touch their phone “in any way” while driving. But documents obtained under Freedom of Information by 7NEWS revealed police have identified a flaw in the artificial intelligence technology during trials. In a small number of cases the technology pins an offence to the wrong driver when vehicles are passing or slowing down as they move through the area covered by the camera. “This clearly indicates that extensive testing/verification will need to be performed prior to going live,” the report stated. Creegan said the error rate was extremely low and a SAPOL employee who was not a front-line police officer would manually review the detected cases when the trial ends. “This is not that the case that a machine will determine if you get a fine, it will be a SAPOL engaged-personnel who will review each and every infringement before it’s issued,” he said. Opposition transport spokesperson Vincent Tarzia criticised the government for not improving the technology over the two years that it had been working on rolling out the measures. “There really shouldn’t be the need for this level of veracity that needs to be undertaken,” he said. The five detection cameras are located on While drivers to date have not been issued any fines, from June 19 motorists caught touching their phone will receive a warning letter advising them they were detected. From September 19, police will fine drivers $540, plus a $99 victims of crime levy and issue them three demerit points. Cregan said revenue raised would be put towards the Community Road Safety Fund to deliver road safety programs. “If not a single dollar came back to government from this program, I would be happy. This is about safety and safety alone,” Cregan said. “We know distracted drivers die.” - With Gertie Spurling