General News
11 November, 2020
False camera alarm
The Department of Transport and Main roads (TMR) has confirmed that new mobile phone and seatbelt cameras are currently being trailed across Far North Queensland.
The Department of Transport and Main roads (TMR) has confirmed that new mobile phone and seatbelt cameras are currently being trailed across Far North Queensland.
TRM also confirmed that a new mobile camera (pictured) that has recently been installed between Kuranda and Speewah near the corner of Windy Hollow Road is not one of those cameras.
A TMR spokesperson confirmed that the mobile camera was actually used to monitor traffic conditions due to the road works on the Kennedy Highway and the closure of one lane on the Barron River Bridge.
Since the new seatbelt and mobile phone camera trial began in July 2,454,541 vehicles across the state have been monitored.
More than 8500 possible phone offences and more than 1600 possible seatbelt offences have been detected.
A TMR spokeswoman said the cameras would be trialled until the end of the year. “If evaluation of the technology proves successful, the cameras will be rolled out from mid-2021,” they said.
“Illegal mobile phone use and failing to wear a seatbelt costs lives and accounts for significant serious injuries, which is why we are trialling camera technology.
“The more motorists who are aware of the cameras and stop using their phones illegally and buckle up, the safer our roads become.”
TMR would not elaborate on their current positions but said the cameras are mobile and could be located anywhere.
“Cameras will be located at sites that will deliver safety benefits, and may be different to locations that target speed and red light offences,” the spokesperson said.
“The cameras will only be used to detect illegal mobile phone use and front-seat occupants who do not wear their seatbelt.
“Fines are not being issued during the trial. However, police will still enforce the laws using traditional roadside enforcement methods.”
