Gold Coast intersection named worst in the state for red light runners

A BUSY Gold Coast intersection has been given the unenviable title of the highest rate of red light runners in Queensland with an average of one every five hours.

A BUSY Gold Coast intersection has been given the unenviable title of the highest rate of red light runners in Queensland with an average of one offence every five hours.

The junction of the Gold Coast Highway and Margarest Ave, Broadbeach, had more than 1380 red light offences detected by camera in 2017.

RACQ spokesman Clare Hunter said it was particularly shocking as the camera was only operational for 6,888 hours (equal to 287 days).

“At Margaret Avenue, there’s a red light run, on average, every five hours of operation — it’s a blatant disregard for the lives of others and there’s no reason to risk it,” Ms Hunter said.

“But it’s not just bad behaviour on the Gold Coast, we’re really disappointed more than 63 red light camera offences, on average, were being committed each day across the State.”

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The red light camera at Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, at intersection with Margaret Ave is the top camera in Queensland. Pics Adam Head

Eight of the other top 10 spots were in Brisbane while the intersection of George and Albert streets in Rockhampton was the only site outside of the southeast corner on the list, according to the RACQ.

Raw data from the Transport Department revealed more than 23,000 motorists were caught running red lights in 2017.

Ms Hunter slammed the dangerous behaviour as irresponsible and urged drivers to think about the safety of all road users.

“Running a red light is extremely dangerous and could seriously injure not only other motorists but also pedestrians and cyclists who don’t expect a car to hurtle through an intersection,” she said.

Ms Hunter said the Leopard Street intersection with Stanley Street at Woolloongabba had proved prolific for those who ran red lights with 1,603 people detected while the camera was operational for a total of 8,341 hours.

“Too many drivers choose to run a red light in the hope they’ll gain a few extra seconds — but with more than 222 lives lost on roads this year drivers need to stop and think about how much they’re putting themselves at risk,” she said.

“For those who accuse police of revenue raising — which it isn’t — just remember police are usually first on scene when a red-light runner results in a fatal crash.

“It’s pretty simple, red means stop before entering the intersection and drivers should always be prepared to stop if signals change to yellow, if it’s safe to do so.”

Top 10 red light camera infringement notices issued in Queensland in 2017:

1. Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach, at intersection with Margaret Ave
2. Leopard St, Woolloongabba, at intersection with Stanley St
3. Lutwyche Rd, Kedron, at intersection with Kedron Park Rd
4. Gateway Mwy, Belmont, at intersection with Old Cleveland Rd
5. Main St, Kangaroo Point, at intersection with Vulture St
6. Kessels Rd, Macgregor, at intersection with Mains Rd
7. Ann St, Brisbane City, at intersection with North Quay
8. George St, Rockhampton City, at intersection with Albert St
9. Gympie Rd, Chermside, at intersection with Rode Rd
10. Strathpine Rd, Bald Hills, at intersection with Bald Hills Rd