√Victoria Police target distracted drivers in two-day operation

Police have detected more than 100 distracted drivers – including 86 using their mobile phone – during a recent two-day road blitz.

Victoria Police detected close to 90 motorists using their mobile phones while driving in a two-day operation in Melbourne.

In a two-day operation dubbed ‘Spotto’, 131 offences were recorded – including 86 motorists caught using their mobile phones and/or other mobile devices when driving.

In addition, police detected 10 violations of traffic signs or signals, eight cyclist offences, four seatbelt offences, three speeding and motorcyclist offences, one motorist who was unlicensed, and one motorist caught drug driving.

Deaths on Victorian roads have reached 270 so far this year – up 20 per cent from the total for all of 2022 – according to the Transport and Accident Commission.

“We’re seeing distraction contributing to far too many fatal and serious injury collisions this year, and yet in two days we’ve caught 86 people using their phones and devices while driving,” Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir, said in a media statement.

“The most frustrating part is, when our members are speaking with offenders, they’re all well aware that what they’re doing is wrong.”

In March 2023, Victoria introduced a new road rules allowing learner and probationary drivers to use a phone’s navigation and/or audio functions, provided it has been set up prior to driving – and is displayed on a securely-mounted mobile phone.

Fully-licensed motorists are allowed to use a phone for a phone call as well as audio and/or navigational functions as long as the smart device is securely mounted in the vehicle.

However, drivers cannot type text messages, send emails, visit websites, watch videos/TV shows/movies, use social media, play video games or conduct video calls unless the vehicle is parked.

Failure to abide by these new distracted driving laws can incur a fine of up to $577, and four demerit points.

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