Cops issues $33k in mobile phone fines during CBD traffic blitz

A three-hour traffic operation in Toowoomba CBD led to dozens of motorists hit with costly fines for the potentially deadly behaviour.

In the space of three hours Toowoomba police handed out more than 50 fines during a traffic operation in the city’s CBD with 29 going to drivers who were caught using their phone while behind the wheel.

Toowoomba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Senior Sergeant Tony Newman said the police targeted the CBD as there had been several crashes near the Ruthven and Margaret Street intersection that were the result of distracted driving.

“Officers participating in the operation were drawn from Toowoomba General Duties and Highway Patrol,” he said.

“Some officers patrolled the CBD in plain clothes, in unmarked vehicles, bicycles and on foot.

Motorists caught using a phone while driving face a $1161 fine and four demerit points.

“While vehicles in our CBD generally travel much slower, the risk of a fatality by a distracted driver using a mobile telephone hitting a pedestrian is very high,” Snr Sgt Neumann said.

“Other offences detected of concern to police were three persons not wearing seat belts and three persons not wearing a helmet.

“Both of these offences are a factor in many fatal traffic crashes.”

Distracted driving was a factor in about 11.7 per cent of fatal crashes in 2023 across Queensland, according to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Speeding was a factor in 29.4 per cent of fatal crashes and alcohol or drugs played a role in 19.2 per cent of crashes.

About a third of all fatal crashes involved a motorcycle. 

Originally published as Cops issues $33k in mobile phone fines during CBD traffic blitz