Reducing the harm caused by distracted drivers

Why this is important

Distracted driving – which includes using a mobile phone to text or send an email – is a significant contributor to harm on our roads. Not wearing a seat belt is also a major risk factor in collisions. 

In March 2023, the Victorian Government introduced distracted driver and seatbelt cameras, along with related road rules with fines and demerit points. The government invested $33.7 million to establish AI-enabled mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera technology. The program is part of the broader Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 that aims to halve road deaths by 2030. 

As of June 2024, 9 camera trailers operate across 200 locations. In 2023–24, the cameras photographed 12.2 million vehicles. Of these, Victoria Police approved approximately 110,000 infringements and issued traffic fines.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety administers the cameras and outsources the operation of camera technology, IT systems and processes used to detect, record and verify data for offences to a service provider. Our Auditor-General's Report on the Annual Financial Report of the State of Victoria: 2023–24 found that the department did not verify if the provider properly ensured all infringements were sent to police to issue fines. This raises concerns about if the program is working as intended to improve road safety.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if the distracted driver and seatbelt camera program is working as intended to improve road safety.

Who we plan to examine

Department of Justice and Community Safety

Victoria Police