More than 8500 tourists escaped speeding fines in Brisbane's north

New figures show the number of motorists getting away with traffic fines in Brisbane has spiked – and also reveal the reason why one group of people in particular are being let off for speeding scot-free.

QUEENSLAND authorities waived more than 8500 traffic infringements in north Brisbane alone last year, and approximately 20 per cent of camera-detected offences in the area were waived because they were committed by foreign nationals.

New data obtained by the LNP and compiled by the Department of Transport shows more tickets were overturned in the region last year than in 2017 and 2016.

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It comes after Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart’s wife had her stop sign infringement torn up recently after writing a letter to a senior police officer at Sandgate, in the city’s north.

Mr Stewart and wife, Carol, have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

“Approximately 20 per cent of notices waived from camera detected offences were withdrawn as they were issued to an overseas resident, outside of QPS jurisdiction,” Police Minister Mark Ryan said.

“I am advised that the waiving of an infringement notice is based on individual circumstances and careful consideration of all facts to ensure sufficiency of evidence exists.”

Foreign nationals had the infringements waived because they were unable to be recouped.

The figures also show that 50 per cent of camera infringements were waived because they were issued to paramedics and firefighters attending incidents with lights and sirens.

Police and Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan. Picture: AAP/Darren England

Overall, 2018 saw 209,046 infringements issued, with 8567 waived, compared to 193,840 issued in 2017 with 7230 waived.

In 2016, 181,349 fines were issued and 7366 were overturned.

Mr Ryan said authorities were unapologetic for their tough stance on infringements and would continue to pursue those caught doing the wrong thing.

“Queensland police, with the support of the Palaszczuk Government, strongly supports and promotes responsible driver behaviour and will continue to use all options available, such as traffic enforcement and public campaigns to maintain safety on the state’s road network.

I can advise that the Department of Transport and Main Roads is responsible for compiling statistics relating to non-camera infringement notices.”