Mobile phone detection cameras will soon also capture people not wearing a seatbelt in New South Wales.
The move comes following the successful passage of legislation through NSW Parliament, and is expected to come into effect mid 2024.
NSW roads minister John Graham says although it will be 50 years after seatbelts were mandated, too many people aren’t buckling up.
“It’s simple: seatbelts save lives. Wearing a seatbelt doubles a person’s chance of survival in a car crash,” Graham says.
“The vast majority of motorists buckle up every time, but despite five decades of enforcement and public awareness campaigns, more than 10,000 people a year are still fined by the NSW Police for not wearing a seatbelt.”
It will take around six months for the existing suite of mobile phone detection cameras to be prepared to enforce seatbelt laws.
During this period, an extensive education campaign will be delivered to inform the community about the upcoming change.
“We’ll be letting motorists know about these changes over the next six months but due to changes as the legislation passed Parliament there will not be a warning period for drivers once the scheme gets underway,” Graham says.
“I urge all drivers and passengers to buckle up properly each time they are in a vehicle. It’s a simple action and it just may save your life.”
Between 2018 and 2022, more than 140 lives were lost on NSW roads in fatal crashes where people were not wearing a seatbelt.
NSW regional roads and transport minister Jenny Aitchison says these new detection cameras will save lives.
“More than 84 per cent of fatalities and two-thirds of serious injuries where people are not wearing seatbelts occur on country roads,” Aitchison says.
“As we approach the Christmas break, I urge everyone to prioritise safety. Don’t speed, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, don’t drive tired, don’t use your mobile phone when driving, and always wear a seatbelt.
“Before you hit the road, take a moment to ensure that everyone in the car has buckled up. It’s a small action that can make a big difference in preventing injuries and saving lives.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and together, we can ensure everyone arrives safely.”