But despite passing legislation allowing automated camera enforcement of phone usage, the government has been criticised for not knowing exactly what technology will be used.

Regardless, Vicki Richardson, whose daughter Brooke died on the Murray Valley Highway, near Cobram after sending “just one little text” while driving to work, has welcomed the initiative.

She said hopefully once the cameras were rolled out, the increased chance of being caught would stop people using their phones behind the wheel. 

“The problem is people don’t think of the consequences, they just value their phone so much, they don’t think of what can happen if it goes wrong – ideally that would be their first thought, what are the consequences,” she said.

“If it’s a fine instead that will deter them, if the thought of getting caught will deter them, then that’s the road we have to go down.” 

Opposition roads spokesperson, Jodi McKay, attacked the government for enacting legislation before the technology had been identified.

NSW Minister for Roads, Melinda Pavey, could not say when the cameras would reach regional areas or be introduced state-wide, but likened the legislative decision to the “revolutionary” 1982 introduction of breath-testing technology to combat drink-driving.

“The NSW Government has received a very positive and strong response from the market and expects to conduct a procurement process from mid-May,” Ms Pavey said.

“At this time, trial or rollout locations have not been decided as this may depend on the type of technology identified in the procurement process.”

Mrs Richardson called for cameras detecting phone usage to be rolled out across the state and country. 

“We need to find a way to deter people, increased fines just aren’t doing it,” she said.

“Something needs to be done because it’s only getting worse, it’s not getting better.”