New speed camera technology will target speeding drivers in school zones and roadworks across Queensland in what is being billed as a “world-first” road safety initiative.
At the launch of the state’s Road Safety Week (August 22-26), Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new cameras would go live from September.
Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) asked the contractor to design and build the solar-powered roadworks speed cameras to sit on top of a mobile platform to allow for manoeuvrability around a work site.
At school zones, the cameras will be installed in specially designed, stationary school zone signs but can be moved around as needed.
“I’m pleased to announce that new cameras will target speeding drivers in both school and roadworks zones to keep Queensland kids and workers safe,” Bailey said.
“I don’t want to see another roadworker killed or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school just because of the recklessness of a speeding driver.
“These cameras will pop up in high-risk locations next month so I am giving Queenslanders fair warning that these can be anywhere, anytime.
“It’s vital we do everything we can to keep the vulnerable in our community safe on our roads and these cameras will help to achieve that.”
Bailey said the initiative reflects the theme of this year’s Queensland Road Safety Week, ‘Road safety starts with me’, highlighting that every road user has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe while on or near our roads.
“For the eighth year, we’re partnering with Queensland Police Service to celebrate the many ways Queenslanders can help to make our roads safer every day,” he said.
“Every day, across the road network, yellow is used for safety reminders such as our warning signs, high-visibility workwear and even our learner driver plates.
“We’re asking Queenslanders to ‘wear and share yellow’ to show their support for road safety by wearing an item of yellow clothing, hosting a yellow event, or sharing a safety message on social media.”
Bailey also reminded drivers about increased penalties which came into effect on July 1.
“In line with our tough stance on road safety, we have increased penalties,” Bailey said.
“Now if you speed 1-10km/h over the limit you will be fined $287 and one demerit point, and between 11-20km/h the fine is $431 and three demerit points.
“Slowing to the speed limit during designated times in school zones is the best thing you can do for the students moving around you, and for your bank balance and driving record.”
Superintendent Janelle Andrews said speeding was one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads.
“Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries on Queensland’s roads,” Superintendent Janelle Andrews said.
“During 2021 there were 74 fatalities as the result of crashes involving speeding motorists, representing almost 27 per cent of Queensland road fatalities.
“Thousands more road users are seriously injured in crashes.
“Speed kills and there is no apology for enforcing speed limits in school zones and roadworks sites.
“No one wants to carry the guilt of the death or injury of a child walking to or from school, or a roadworker simply carrying out their job.
“These new speed cameras force drivers to slow down in order to avoid a fine or incur demerit points, there is no penalty for doing the right thing.”