Mobile phone detection cameras have been installed in Adelaide as part of a trial to monitor motorists illegally using electronic devices while driving.
The trial, which started on Monday, will include daily monitoring of camera data by the project team and the quality and deliverables will be monitored against key performance indicators.
The trial will take place on the west side of South Road, Torrensville with the camera equipment mounted on the VMS near the corner of Ashley Street
Following a State Government tender process, two potential mobile phone detection camera providers have been shortlisted to supply cameras and related technology to South Australia for the purposes of a trial.
It is anticipated that following the trial, a single provider will be appointed for the supply and install of cameras as part of an ongoing solution.
The mobile phone detection camera trial will allow SAPOL and the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to assess the solutions presented by two providers and evaluate how the cameras perform mounted on a Variable Message Sign (VMS) in the South Australian road environment.
During the trial, which runs until the end of April, motorists photographed by the trial cameras will not be fined nor receive any demerit points for illegally using their mobile phones while driving.
A review of outcomes of the trial and a recommendation for a preferred provider will take place during the second quarter of 2023.
A provider will then be appointed to supply and install the cameras with the go-live scheduled for early 2024.
Meanwhile, the Heysen Tunnels are set for an extensive refit to ensure they continue to service South Australia for decades to come.
The $150m project, set to take two months, addresses current tunnel elements that are at the end of their service life, to improve safety, traffic management and incident response capabilities.
Work started on the upgrading on Sunday and includes upgrading the tunnel lighting to a new LED system, installing a new automated fire suppression system, upgrading the tunnel ventilation system, repairing the tunnel lining and installing monitoring equipment, upgrading the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment, including thermal incident detection systems, new and replacement CCTV, electronic speed and messaging signage and over-height vehicle detection, upgrading the traffic management system to restrict access to the tunnels in the event of an emergency incident, and upgrading emergency communication systems, including public address, radio rebroadcast, in-tunnel signage and help phones to improve safety and network reliability.
More than 50,000 vehicles travel through the tunnels each day, around 10% of which are heavy vehicles.
To minimise the impacts to road users, works will be carried out at night from Sundays to Thursdays between 8pm and 6am.
The Crafers-bound tunnel will be closed during these periods, with the Adelaide-bound tunnel to accommodate traffic in both directions.
During works, speed will be restricted to 40kph in both directions on the approach to the tunnels and through the down-track tunnel.
Traffic will return to normal operation, with usual speed limits, for both carriageways each morning from 6am.
It is not anticipated that works will be undertaken on Friday and Saturday nights, or on public holidays, however advance notice will be provided via onsite message boards, project updates and social media if this changes.
