The Queensland Police Service (QPS) now has access to new speed camera technology that will target speeding drivers in school zones and roadworks.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said the roll out of the hi-tech cameras came on the back of shocking figures from Queensland’s school zones and roadworks areas.
“I don’t want to see another roadworker killed, or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school because of the reckless actions of a speeding driver,” Mr Bailey said.
“In just over 12 months to February this year, 1,484 drivers were clocked doing more than 20km/h over the speed limit in school zones across Queensland, this is unacceptable.”
He said flashing signs had been installed at more than 1,100 school zones since 2012; there had been increased signage around roadworks; and advertising campaigns had been run.
“Sadly it appears the message isn’t getting through to some road users,” Mr Bailey said.
“Speeding remains one of the leading causes of crashes in this State and it is vital we do what we can to protect our vulnerable students and roadworkers.”
He said this was why mobile and fixed cameras were being rolled out to catch drivers illegally using their mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts, anywhere, anytime.
“We’re also making an almost $1.7 billion investment in road safety in this year’s Budget, which will be used to prioritise safety upgrades, improve driver education, make school zones safer and develop policies to reduce road crashes and trauma,” Mr Bailey said.
