Massive number of seatbelt, mobile phone use fines issued to drivers on Gold Coast

An extraordinary amount of Gold Coast drivers have been caught making one basic mistake behind the wheel, costing them big money in the process. SEE THE FIGURES

An extraordinary number of Gold Coast drivers and their passengers are failing to buckle up, despite fines of more than $1000 for taking to the road without wearing a seatbelt.

Figures obtained by the Bulletin show 25,867 people were caught without seatbelts on the Gold Coast in the 12 months to October 31 – an average of 70 a day.

In contrast, just 21,025 were pinged for the offence in Brisbane.

A further 39,814 people on the Gold Coast were fined for using mobile phones while driving – an average of 109 a day.

The offences were detected and fines issued as a result of the roll-out of special cameras across the city in November last year.

Since July 1 both seatbelt and mobile phone offences have carried fines of $1078 and the loss of four demerit points. At those rates, the offences detected on the Gold Coast in the first 12 months of operation of the cameras would cost a whopping $70.8 million in penalties.

A mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera seen on the Gold Coast Highway in Southport last year. Picture: Keith Woods.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey made no apology for the number of costly fines issued, saying too many people were risking their lives on the roads.

“Each offender needs to ask themself what value they place on their life as using a mobile phone while driving or failing to wear a seatbelt or wear it correctly could easily end in tragedy – that’s the reality,” Mr Bailey said.

“Using a mobile phone while driving is as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.07-0.10.

“By law, you must not have your phone in your hand or resting on any part of your body, including your lap while driving, regardless of whether the phone is on or in use.”

While there are some fixed cameras in use to detect mobile phone and seatbelt offences – including at the M1 in Coomera – most are on mobile trailers.

Cameras installed last year at the M1 in Coomera. Picture: Perry Cook.

Mr Bailey warned drivers the cameras could be located anywhere, while motorists risked losing their licences because double demerit points apply for second offences.

“Double demerit points apply for repeat offences within a 12 month period, so if you are caught doing the wrong thing multiple times, you could face losing your licence in addition to the steep fines,” Mr Bailey said.

“Learners and P-Platers will face losing their licence when they receive their first infringement for either of these offences.

“The message is simple. If you don’t want one of these fines, do the right thing on our roads.”

Motorists have also been warned by police that they will be out in force over the Christmas period to catch drivers drink and drug driving, speeding and failing to wear seatbelts.

Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Stream said the Queensland Police Service’s annual road safety operation, dubbed ‘Operation Charger’, began at midnight on Friday and would continue until midnight on January 27.

“We want each person who travels on our roads over the Christmas and New Year period to arrive to their loved ones safely,” he said.

“This year we have lost 279 lives on our roads. These are 279 families with an empty seat at Christmas lunch this year.

“Our message to road users is clear – your presence is by far the best gift you can give your family this Christmas.”

Of the 279 people who have killed on Queensland roads in 2022 – which is 11 more than the same time last year – 35 have been in the South Eastern police region which encompasses the Gold Coast and Logan.

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