NSW will introduce speed camera-style technology to detect illegal mobile phone use by motorists but the technology has yet to be identified, with the government calling for official expressions of interest from companies interested in providing the technology.

Jon Morgan, who runs the local traffic offenders intervention program, said something was needed to counter drivers using mobile phone, in what he called an epidemic. 

​”It’s a great use of technology, it’s a great initiative and we need something because it’s not getting any better,” he said. 

“It is strange however that they have not got the technology before they enabled it.” 

The NSW Opposition's roads spokesperson, Jodi McKay, said she supported cameras being used to catch offenders and recognises the road toll is too high, but she has some concerns. 

“She [Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey] now has the power, given to her by the parliament, to turn all cameras and she still doesn't know how its going to work,” she said. 

“It has approved to turn on every camera in every street, it means toll cameras and red-light cameras, to be used.

“Our concern is around privacy and our concern she has no idea how this technology will work.”

​Ms McKay further explained the laws posed inconsistencies as drivers would not be informed of the camera’s abilities, as they are with speed and red-light cameras. 

In response to these comments a spokesperson for the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said they want to lead the way so when the technology available it can immediately be used under the law.

“We’re not going to wait for the technology to come to us, we’re actively wanting to introduce it here because it will save lives,” they said. 

“Plain and simple. In the last financial year more than 40,000 people were fined using their mobile phone while driving.”

Current laws state that learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all. Fully licensed drivers may only use their phone, in a hands-free capacity, to play audio, for calls, or navigation.