New CCTV cameras keeping an eye on Newcastle CBD drivers and the light rail

Along the length of the route and at surrounding intersections, a series of new closed-circuit TV cameras linked to a state-of-the-art computer system is keeping an eye on you.

Thirteen new cameras were installed along the light rail route and several in surrounding streets.

They are part of more than 1700 CCTV cameras used to monitor traffic and public transport across NSW.

Despite the fears of some conspiracy theorists who believe CCVT cameras are an Orwellian Big Brother keeping track of your movements, a Transport NSW spokeswoman said the cameras were used to monitor and manage traffic.

She said keeping a safe eye on the light rail was one way the new transport system was helping ensure drivers get to their destination as quickly and securely as possible.

The footage is fed directly to the Transport Management Centre (TMC) in Sydney.

"Traffic cameras provide a live feed to the TMC so that network operators can manage traffic and transport, particularly during times of disruption," she said.

"This may include changing traffic signals, deploying field resources and tow trucks, and coordinating incident response with Emergency Services and NSW Police."

The Roads and Maritime Service is also testing camera-based technology to enforce mobile phone use offences.

If a Sydney-based trial is successful, the new high-tech camera systems are expected to be installed in the Hunter.

In July 2018, legislation was introduced to enable the use of evidence from cameras to enforce mobile phone driving offences.

A Sydney-based trial saw more than 11,000 drivers a day detected illegally using their phone. The system can operate in all weather conditions.

It uses both high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence to capture offending drivers. A second trial began in January with cameras installed on the M4 motorway in Sydney's west and Anzac Parade in the city's east.