Roadside cameras that detect drivers illegally using mobile phones and not wearing a seatbelt will start appearing on Queensland roads from today.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the fixed and portable cameras would operate on urban and regional roads.
“Our message has been direct and simple: just put your phone away. In 2020, 23 people lost their lives and 1475 were hospitalised because of distracted driving, 43 people died and 187 were hospitalised because they were not wearing a seatbelt. These deaths and injuries could have been prevented.” Mr Bailey said.
A driver talking on the phone in Brisbane, Queensland.
The Queensland government is taking action to ensure drivers doing the wrong thing need to change their dangerous behaviour before penalties were issued.
“Until 31 October, those caught by the cameras will not be fined, Instead, they will receive a warning letter advising them that they’ve been caught. From 1 November all bets are off. Drivers caught on camera will receive a $1033 fine and four demerit points for mobile phone offences and a $413 fine and three demerit points for each vehicle occupant detected not wearing a seatbelt.” Mr Bailey said.
The Queensland government has also clarified these measures are about raising revenue for the state and that the money collected collected through the fines will be invested back into making Queensland’s roads safer
Further information about the new cameras, fines, road rules, and exemptions can be found at qld.gov.au/RoadCameras
