Police warn of ‘unpleasant’ delays crossing Queensland border

Traffic has already started building at the Queensland-NSW border, as new restrictions come into effect. And police say it will only become more “difficult” with more changes ahead.

POLICE admit motorists face “pretty unpleasant’ delays trying to cross the Queensland border when it reopens next week.

A new border declaration pass kicked in at noon today and traffic congestion was already building ahead of the border reopening to all states except COVID-ravaged Victoria next Friday.

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Queensland police deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the new border pass system would be “pretty lumpy and difficult for the first couple of days if not the first week” until motorists came to grips with it.

Traffic builds up at the Coolangatta border crossing into Queensland today. Picture: Adam Head

“Really honestly, we know that this is going to be pretty unpleasant for a bit, we understand that,” he said.

“We’re already seeing some traffic starting to back up at some of the checkpoints on the Gold Coast.

“Can we please ask you to be patient? This will be difficult. Work with us, because we’re going to apply compassion, understanding and education initially.

“But anyone that tries to do the wrong thing needs to understand that strict penalties still apply.”

Mr Gollschewski said random intercepts would be ramped up to catch any Victorians trying to sneak across the border.

He said priority lanes would also be set up on the M1 to get exempt travellers through checkpoints more quickly.

Police inform drivers of a pass change that will be required as the state opens its borders next week. Picture: Adam Head

Police were also looking at establishing checkpoints on barricaded border backstreets, such as Miles St at Kirra, to improve traffic flow.

Travellers now have to apply online for a new Queensland Border Declaration Pass giving them general or special exemption to travel into the Sunshine State.

There is also a ‘Q’ declaration pass meaning they will have to go into 14 days quarantine in a Surfers Paradise hotel at their own expense.

Originally published as Police warn of ‘unpleasant’ delays crossing Queensland border