Australia Rolls Out Cell Phone Detection Cameras

Australia's most populous state on Sunday rolled out traffic cameras that can detect a driver using a mobile phone.

Andrew Constance, New South Wales' Minister for Roads said the "world-first" technology would target illegal cell phone use through "fixed and mobile trailer-mounted cameras."

Officials say 45 cameras will be installed across the state over the next three years.

Transport for NSW, which manages the state's transport services, said the cameras will operate round the clock and in all weather conditions.

For the first three months, drivers caught illegally using a cell phone will get a warning, after that offenders will receive steep fines and penalty points on their driver's license.

Some 329 people have died this year on New South Wales' roads, Reuters news agency reports. NSW officials hope to cut the number of road fatalities by 30% by 2021, the report said.