Passenger's $410 'lesson' as new roadside cameras sweep Aussie state

As roadside cameras continue to get more advanced on Aussies roads, one woman is the latest to get caught out and cop a fine for a simple wrongdoing while travelling as a passenger.

Dual technology has been introduced to mobile detection cameras across NSW in recent months, meaning mobile phone use is detected as well as incorrect seatbelt wear. The Sydney woman was snapped wearing her seatbelt the wrong way — a safety rule that applies to passengers as well as drivers.

While travelling past the camera, she wore her seatbelt under her arm, rather than across her shoulder. The small detail will not only set back the driver $410 but also three demerit points, with the woman admitting it's an "expensive lesson learnt".

NSW Police are able to fine passengers on the spot as well if they see a passenger 16 years or over not wearing a seatbelt correctly.

"I think the fine should be passed onto the passenger, but law say it's [the] drivers responsibility," the woman wrote on social media.

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More than 11,400 fines issued in six weeks

Since the new technology was introduced to NSW roadside cameras on July 1, more than 11,400 fines have been issued to drivers for incorrect seatbelt use in a vehicle.

One Aussie dad learnt this lesson the hard way after his daughter wore her seatbelt incorrectly and was caught by a roadside camera twice in two weeks, resulting in fines totalling $2,156.

Queensland issues even tougher fines than NSW, with those caught incorrectly wearing a seatbelt fined $1,078 and four demerit points. Those in Victoria are fined $395 and given three demerit points.

The crackdown that is happening among state and territory authorities across the country comes as the nation's road death toll hits a 12 year high. About 110 Australians died on roads every month during the past year, in the deadliest period in more than a decade, according to the latest figures.

A 10.2 per cent spike in deaths in the year to July 31 meant 1,327 people were killed on Australian roads, a figure that hadn't been achieved since October 2012.

The decade-long National Road Safety Strategy that aimed to halve road deaths by 2030 is nowhere near achieving its objective.

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