‘World-first’ tool to catch speeding drivers in Qld

One Aussie state is rolling out “world-first” technology that is likely to catch more drivers doing the wrong thing.

New portable speed cameras will target drivers in Queensland worksites and school zones.

More drivers will face fines for speeding following the rollout of world-first portable speed cameras across Queensland.

The solar-powered cameras will be deployed at roadside worksites and school zones across the state from next month with the aim of reducing risk to children and workers.

“I don’t want to see another roadworker killed or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school just because of the recklessness of a speeding driver,” Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.

“These cameras will pop up in high-risk locations next month, so I am giving Queenslanders fair warning that these can be anywhere, anytime.”

World-first portable and solar-powered speed cameras will be rolled out across Queensland from next month. Picture: Supplied

The cameras were specifically designed and built to sit on top of a mobile platform that can easily be manoeuvred to different locations around a worksite.

At school zones, the cameras will be installed at stationary positions near speed signs but also can be moved around as needed.

Queensland Police Superintendent Janelle Andrews said the cameras were simply targeting those doing the wrong thing.

“These new speed cameras force drivers to slow down in order to avoid a fine or incur demerit points,” she said.

“No one wants to carry the guilt of the death or injury of a child walking to or from school or a roadworker simply carrying out their job. There is no penalty for doing the right thing.”

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey hopes the initiative will greatly reduce the risk facing children and roadworkers. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

The announcement coincides with the start of Queensland Road Safety Week, with this year’s theme being “road safety starts with me”.

Last year, the state recorded 74 speeding-related fatalities on its roads, representing almost 27 per cent of all road fatalities.

“We’re asking Queenslanders to ‘wear and share yellow’ to show their support for road safety by wearing an item of yellow clothing, hosting a yellow event, or sharing a safety message on social media,” Mr Bailey said.

In the first four months of this year, 4729 infringements were issued in Queensland for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone.

From July this year, Queensland increased penalties for speeding so those travelling 1-10km/h over the limit incur a $287 fine and one demerit point and $431 and three demerit points for between 11-20km/h.

Revenue from speed camera fines goes towards road safety initiatives and education across Queensland.