The intelligent radar that detects phone use while driving arrives

Technology applied to traffic radars makes them increasingly efficient and more precisely calibrated. And not only those that measure speed, but also those that detect other offences such as not wearing a seat belt or using a mobile phone while driving. In Australia, a new radar, installed in different locations, has been undergoing trials for months; it detects mobile phone use while driving.

These radars have been in use for several months, although they do not yet issue fines. The Australian government has installed 45 of these high-precision cameras and has been testing how they work. For the time being, they have only been operating and undergoing testing, without penalising or even warning drivers of their presence.

Radars that do not need signage

These radars do not need to be signposted like traditional radars, so their presence cannot be anticipated. They are small, which makes them hard to spot, and they are mobile, so they can change location every so often. As I mentioned before, they have been installed in strategic places and, so far, have simply been operating and capturing images of offenders, a total of 100,000 over a six-month period.

From 1 December, drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving or while stopped at a traffic light, which is also punishable in that case, will receive a notification, although they will not yet face a penalty. This situation will continue until 31 March. From 1 April, offenders will face a hefty fine.

Once penalties begin, they will be between 250 and 300 euros at the current exchange rate, although the amount may be higher if the offence occurs near a school zone. The Australian government expects to monitor around 135 million vehicles from launch until 2023. The aim is to prevent between 100 and 300 serious accidents, thanks to greater awareness among road users.

The investment in this radar system to detect mobile phone use amounts to the equivalent of 54 million euros. The question we ask ourselves is: will this type of radar reach Spain? The closest equivalent to this type of radar in Europe is the Mesta Fusion 2 radar, which is operational in France and could come to Spain if its effectiveness is proven in our neighbouring country. For now, we have the 10 Pegasus helicopters, which regularly catch quite a few offenders on Spanish roads.

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