The NSW government is about to make it even harder for drivers to get away with distracted driving and seatbelt violations. Starting next month, new upgrades to mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will monitor traffic in both directions. This expansion will mean better coverage, and potentially fewer drivers breaking the law.
A Step Up in Technology
Until now, the mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in New South Wales were limited to monitoring just two lanes of traffic in a single direction. While this certainly helped, it left a lot of room for drivers to slip through the cracks—especially in busy areas with multiple lanes. But with the upcoming changes, drivers in both directions will now be under surveillance, meaning a much more thorough crackdown on people who think they can get away with breaking the law.
Josh Murray, Transport for NSW Secretary, pointed out to 9News that these cameras have already had a positive impact on driver behavior. He revealed that in 2025, almost one in every 1,300 vehicles checked by these cameras were caught not wearing seatbelts. As for mobile phone offenses, it’s one in every 1,200—significantly better than the one in 400 ratio that was observed when the cameras were first introduced. These results are definitely a step in the right direction.
The Road to Safer Streets
It’s not just about catching offenders, though. The real success of these cameras lies in their ability to change driving behavior. As more drivers are aware of the presence of these cameras, many are becoming more conscientious about seatbelt use and phone distractions. Murray also pointed out that the awareness alone has led to lives being saved. “We know lives have been saved as people change their behaviors in response to awareness and education,” he explained.
The full rollout of the new camera system will take place over the next six months, starting with the upgrades in the coming month. The increased detection capability should lead to fewer dangerous driving habits and better overall safety on the roads.
A Future of Safer Roads
While some may feel a little uncomfortable with the idea of being watched more closely, it’s clear that these changes are about keeping people safe. The cameras are there to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. And as technology continues to advance, we can expect even more improvements that can help reduce road fatalities. Whether it’s through better detection or smarter algorithms, the NSW government is putting its money where its mouth is in terms of road safety.
So, next time you’re driving down the road, make sure your seatbelt’s fastened and your phone’s out of reach—you never know when one of these new, all-seeing cameras might be watching.
