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More than 135,000 phone and seatbelt infringements had been issued since the new cameras were introduced by the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 1 November 2021, Bailey said.
In this image a boy has his seat belt around his head while watching a mobile phone as a passenger.Credit:Department of Transport and Main Roads 2022.
“It’s honestly astounding that 135,000 people have been snapped doing the wrong thing, especially considering it puts not only the lives of others at risk, but their own,” he said.
“Using your phone while driving is the equivalent of getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of up to two times the legal limit.
“So having over 95,000 infringements issued for [illegal] phone use in vehicles in a little over nine months is totally unacceptable.”
Bailey who last weekend released plans for extra speed cameras around Queensland’s school zones and roadwork sites, says he will not apologise for “cracking down on poor driver behaviour”.
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He said more high-tech cameras with the resolution to snap mobile phone used in cars and seat belt mistakes would be put in place in 2022.
The cameras use artificial intelligence software and can see through windscreens at any speed or weather condition.
“We’re rolling out more cameras across the state over the coming years, so if you’re breaking the rules, expect to be caught anytime, anywhere,” he said.
“These cameras are all about limiting the number of avoidable deaths and injuries on our roads, so I make no apologies for this tough measure.
“We’re really not asking much, just for drivers to follow long-standing, lifesaving rules.”
The fine for a phone or seatbelts offence is $1,078 and four demerit points.
The Queensland Government has been closely questioned about the additional revenue it earns from additional traffic safety cameras.
The new cameras, which came into place on November 1, 2021, have earned the Queensland Government an additional $100 million in the first eight months they have been in place.
Bailey said the only people to be concerned were people who broke the law.
“If you don’t want to be fined, follow the rules, simple as that,” he said.
He said all funds from camera detected offences are reinvested in road safety initiatives.
Where the driver and passenger behaviour is worst
135,476 total fines for illegal seat belt and mobile phone use while driving.
Fines are $1078 and four points.
Northern Brisbane – 43,685
Southern Brisbane – 20,655
Gold Coast – 51,414
Darling Downs – 2951
Ipswich – 1888
South-west Queensland – 547
Moreton region – 538
Logan – 445
Fines for illegal mobile phone use is four times more frequent than not wearing seat belts properly.
Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads, August 2022
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