Distracted drivers were in for a fright at Melbourne intersections with police officers posing as window washers as part of an undercover sting operation.
Photos of cops wearing high-vis vests and carrying squeegee mops were shared to a local Facebook community group.
The officers were posted at the corner of Maroondah Highway and Springvale Road in the suburb of Nunawading. They were there to catch drivers using their phones, an offence for which Victoria motorists can be fined up to AUD$476 (NZ$508).
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The catch is that window washing on the streets is also illegal in Victoria, with fines of more than AUD$140 (NZ$150) for those caught red-handed.
Victoria Police said their officers weren't breaking the law because no windscreens were actually washed during the operation.
They told news.com.au that more than 35 infringement notices were issued to motorists using cellphones at the intersection on Monday.
Many on social media were impressed by the lengths officers went to, while others disapproved of the tactic.
In June a survey revealed 3.5 percent of Auckland drivers used their phones while driving, with motorists seen touching their devices every 39 seconds on average.
Newshub.
