ROADSIDE cameras that can pick up whether motorists are using their mobile phones or vehicle occupants are not wearing seatbelts will be permanently rolled out across the State, including regional Queensland.
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari took to his official Facebook page to share the development with local road users.
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Mr Tantari said people caught by the cameras up until 31 October will not be fined but will receive a warning.
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From 1 November, drivers caught on camera will be fined $1,033 and receive four demerit points for using a mobile phone or $413 and three demerit points for each occupant of the vehicle not wearing a seatbelt.
Mr Tantari said the message for Queensland motorists was clear.
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“Buckle up and put your phone away every time you get behind the wheel,” Mr Tantari said.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the cameras would be position on urban and regional roads.
“Our message has been direct and simple: just put your phone away,” Mr Bailey said.
“In 2020, 23 people lost their lives and 1,475 were hospitalised because of distracted driving.
“43 people died and 187 were hospitalised because they were not wearing a seatbelt. These deaths and injuries could have been prevented.”
Mr Bailey said the cameras were an important tool to make Queensland roads safer for all.
“Already in 2021, more than 150 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads,” he said.
“If you are driving a vehicle, leave your phone alone. If you don’t, your selfish actions endanger not only your own safety, but others you share the road with.
“Seatbelts became compulsory almost 50 years ago because belting up saves lives, so we will look at options to increase penalties for not wearing a seatbelt so it aligns with distracted driving.”
According to Mr Bailey, every Dollar collected through penalties will be invested back into make Queensland’s roads safer.
UPDATE: This article was updated to include comments by Transport Minister Mark Bailey – editor (28 July 2021).
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