Queensland’s recently introduced school zone sign-mounted speed cameras have now been snapping more than 500 speeding motorists per week.
As reported by ABC News, the six school zone sign-mounted speed cameras issued 1607 fines to speeding drivers over a three-week period from August 7 to 28.
The cameras were meant to be activated at the start of the school year, however due to “technical issues” no infringement notices were issued for several months.
One of the fined motorists was caught by a speed camera travelling between 31km/h and 40km/h over the posted speed limit, while another 29 drivers were snapped speeding between 21km/h and 30km/h over the speed limit.
234 drivers were caught travelling between 11km/h and 20km/h over the speed limit, whereas all the remaining fines were issues to motorists travelling up to 10km/h over the speed limit.
“It’s outrageous that drivers continue to speed through school zones, putting the lives of children at risk,” said Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey.
“The new school zone speed cameras will rotate between 24 school zones statewide to stamp out this dangerous behaviour.”
There are currently 19 sites set up to use the six school zone sign-mounted speed cameras, with the final five sites to be ready before the end of October.
As recently reported, Queensland’s Cabinet Budget Review Committee approved $499.85 million in funding for the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for camera initiatives.
It’s unclear what type of cameras the funding will go towards, though part of it will be used to fund 39 full-time staff.
The Queensland Government said it expected a total sum of $465.8 million from the CDOP in the last financial year, which is up 70 per cent on the $274.5 million collected in 2021-22.
“Research tells us that CDOP was associated with a reduction of 897 casualty crashes in 2020 and 1191 casualty crashes in 2021,” said Mr Bailey in remarks reported by the ABC News.
“This translates to annual savings to the community of around $503 million and $678 million respectively by preventing injuries and fatalities.
“Any revenue collected from the CDOP is reinvested back into road safety initiatives by law.”
Exceeding the speed limit by between 1-10km/h in Queensland will get you a $287 fine and one demerit point.
Likewise, exceeding the speed limit by 11-20km/h will get you a fine of $431 and three demerit points.
The other brackets remain unchanged for now, as are the corresponding demerit point amounts, and are as follows:
- 21-30km/h: increased from $459 to $646 (four demerit points)
- 31-40km/h: increased from $643 to $1078 (six demerit points)
- Over 40km/h: increased from $1286 to $1653 (eight demerit points, six-month licence suspension)
MORE: Queensland’s new speed cameras haven’t been issuing fines
MORE: Hold onto your wallets: More cameras coming to Queensland roads