New Gold Coast speed camera nets thousands of dollars in fines in just an hour

MOTORISTS are being stung thousands of dollars every hour at a new Gold Coast red light speed camera hotspot which has snagged in more than 100 motorists in just 60 minutes.

MOTORISTS are being stung thousands of dollars every hour at a new Gold Coast red light speed camera hotspot.

In one hour alone on March 27, the Gold Coast Bulletin recorded 100 drivers being pinged by the camera on the corner of Bermuda and Rudd streets at Broadbeach Waters.

The camera was switched on last month.

According to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the average speeding fine is $194, meaning motorists are bleeding about $19,000 an hour at the busy Gold Coast intersection.

The busy Rudd St intersection was chosen based on the number of traffic accidents and speeding tickets recorded in the area.

POLICE TARGET SPEEDERS

Peak time traffic along Bermuda Street. Picture: Regi Varghese

Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating is hopeful the new cameras will reduce speed and red light infringements at the intersection.

“We want all road users to be compliant with traffic light signals and also travel at the speed limit through intersections,” Mr Keating said.

M1 SPEED LIMIT CHANGES

Drivers are ignoring the warnings and paying for it. Photo by Richard Gosling

‘‘All motorists had a responsibility to drive safely to ensure all Queenslanders get to their destinations safely.

“These cameras will assist in reducing travel speeds at high-risk intersections by operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Depending on the severity of the speeding, drivers can be fined any where from $168 to $1177.

The new 24/7 camera takes the state’s total number of red light speed cameras to 22.

The camera has proved very successful. Photo by Richard Gosling

FINES

* Less than 13km/h over the speed limit: $168 plus one demerit point.

* 13-20km/h over the speed limit: $252 plus three demerit points.

* 21-30km/h over the speed limit: $420 plus four demerit points.

* 31-40km/h over the speed limit: $588 plus six demerit points.

* 41km/h and more over the speed limit: $1177 plus eight demerit points and 6-month suspension.