Where new ‘flash for cash’ cameras set up in Cairns

Drivers beware, a notorious Cairns intersection is set to become the site of a new fixed camera with traffic authorities revealing what you can be busted for and when it will start working.

A NOTORIOUS intersection in Parramatta Park is set to become the site of new fixed speed and red light cameras, traffic authorities have revealed.

The camera has been erected on the corner of Mulgrave Rd and Florence St at the “five ways” intersection with a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman confirming it should be operating by August.

It was welcome news to police who say the crossing has been the scene of multiple crashes and carried a high volume of vehicles.

REVEALED: EVERY FIXED SPEED AND RED LIGHT CAMERA IN QLD

“Anything to reduce road trauma we would support,” Cairns Road Policing Unit Sen-Sgt Craig Johnson said.

“We have in the past (seen crashes there), it’s a very busy intersection.

“People do push the ambers and reds at times so if it reduces that and makes traffic flow more safely, that’s good.”

Nearby business owner Mike Abrahams, who has run the Bob Jane T-Mart franchise on the corner for more than 30 years said he regularly saw crashes and vehicles trying to beat both sets of lights.

The new fixed traffic cameras at Mulgrave Rd.

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“I don’t think there has ever been a fatality that I can remember, but there’s been a fair few (minor crashes),” he said.

“But I don’t know if speed cameras are going to make too much of a difference, I think it’s just a bit of revenue raising.”

The TMR spokeswoman said the site was selected “based on crash data”.

She said the money collected from the fines would be used to run the Camera Detected Offence Program to fund road safety programs and road funding.

The cameras will detect both speed and red light infringements.

“We all have a role to play in road safety and motorists are reminded to stick to the speed limits, abide by the road rules and drive to the conditions,” she said.

There are currently four other fixed camera sites around Cairns – in Mooroobool, Cairns North, Mt Sheridan and Manoora.

The new camera comes as authorities also reveal the introduction of new rules around driving with mobile phones and new cameras being rolled out to detect offences.

From July 26 drivers will be banned from resting a mobile on any part of their body, such as their lap, and will not be allowed to hold it in their hand regardless of whether the device is on.

The new cameras will initially dish out warnings to those busted breaking the rules, before issuing hefty $1033 fines from November 1.

Originally published as Where new ‘flash for cash’ cameras set up in Cairns