Distracted driving: Gold Coast motorists warned tough new phone laws in force from today

Stunning footage has been released by Queensland police showing motorists using their phones behind the wheel - including drivers on the M1 and Sundale Bridge.

DISTRACTED drivers caught putting lives at risk by using mobile phones behind the wheel will cop a massive fine under tough new laws enforced in Queensland from Saturday.

It comes as the Queensland Government prepares to trial advanced road safety cameras to detect drivers using devices.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey says the cameras will likely be rolled out by mid-year.

But he has not detailed how many cameras will be installed or where they will be placed.

Look mum, no hands! A young driver caught by police using her mobile phone while crossing the Sundale Bridge.

COMPLETE GUIDE: HOW TO AVOID $1000 MOBILE PHONE FINE

Judging by the number of Gold Coast drivers seen staring at their laps while driving, the cameras will likely prove a financial boon for the Government.

A video released by Queensland police depicts drivers across the Gold Coast being caught by officers using their mobile phones.

In extraordinary footage, one young woman is seen driving across the Sundale Bridge in Southport with neither of her hands on the steering wheel as she uses her mobile phone.

In almost all cases, the offenders fail to notice officers pull up beside them because they are so engrossed in their devices.

Under the new Queensland laws, drivers caught using devices will be slapped with a $1000 fine and four demerit points, up from $400 and three demerit points – the harshest penalties in the country.

A driver spotted by police with a phone to his ear while travelling on the M1.

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Assistant Police Commissioner Brian Wilkins welcomed the increased penalties but was not able to say how many of the cameras would be used on the Gold Coast.

“My message is if you’re driving a car, put your phone away and don’t be distracted. Put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and it will still be there when you arrive,” he said.

“Distraction is the same as drink driving, it’s the same as speeding. They all have detrimental effects and people can die on the road because of these things.

“It has been a focus of ours for quite some time, so this is not a new thing for (police).”

A police officer taps on the window of a car to alert a driver engrossed in his phone while stopped at traffic lights.

Mr Bailey said the response time of texting drivers was comparable to that of a drink driver with a blood alcohol reading of between 0.07 and 0.10.

Government statistics showed 33 people died on Queensland roads in 2018 from crashes involving distracted or inattentive drivers or riders, while 1358 people were admitted to hospital with injuries suffered in crashes caused by distracted driving.

Drivers caught using a device while driving twice in 12 months will be hit with a double demerit point penalty.