Motorists using their mobile phones will be targeted in a trial of overhead cameras and could face larger penalties.

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said the government was investigating the installation of the cameras to catch distracted drivers as the state’s horror road toll continues to climb.

“We need people to be generally afraid of getting caught,” she said.

Roads Minister Jaala Pulford and Regional Roads Victoria safety director Scott Lawrence in Kalkallo to announce a roll-out of road safety upgrades across Victoria. Credit:Eddie Jim

“These cameras, we hope, will put that fear into people that they will get caught and that, coupled with probably a harsher penalty, will be a very potent combination.”