People
using mobile phones while driving are warned to be on high alert when
detection cameras are turned on across NSW this Sunday.
From December 1, both fixed and transportable trailer-mounted cameras will come into action at 45 locations.
"It
saddens me with a month to go of this year that to confirm that we now
have 329 people that will not be celebrating Christmas with their loved
ones this year," Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said in a press
conference today.
He said it was coming into a busy time of year on the roads and urged drivers to take extra precautions.
"It's
simple, we're allowing people to use cradles, we're allowing people
through their Bluetooth to be able to make a telephone call and receive a
phone call, but for goodness sake; do not text and drive, do not hold
the phone up to your ear, don't put the phone on your lap with the
speakerphone on, get the message."
Drivers face losing five demerit points and a $344 fine, or a $457 fine if caught in a school zone.
However, the penalties won't apply for the first three months and instead motorists will be sent a warning letter.
"The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences," Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said.
"Whether
you're driving on a major highway or an isolated road in the bush,
there's no excuse for using your phone illegally," he said.
