Did you know that the intersection of Kedron Park and Lutwyche Roads in Kedron is one of the most dangerous intersections in Queensland? With the official roll out of roadside cameras across the state, instances of road crashes due to distracted driving in this accident hotspot and similar areas, along with injuries due to failure to wear seatbelts, are expected to go down.
Read: New Medical Centre Proposed at Stafford Road Intersection
Although their exact locations will not be publicly revealed, the roadside cameras have been permanently deployed across Queensland starting 1 November 2021. The cameras, which use AI technology, can tell if a driver is using a mobile phone or not wearing his seatbelt, and takes photographs accordingly.
Once a possible offence is detected, the images taken are passed on to Transport and Main Roads to determine for review, to confirm if an offence has indeed been committed. The AI algorithm automatically excludes other images from any further analysis and the images are deleted.
Road Rules and Reminders
It is illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, including your lap, when driving.
Everyone in a vehicle fitted with seatbelts must be properly restrained. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that every passenger, regardless of their age, wears a seatbelt or appropriate and approved child restraint.
Fines
Penalties will apply to those caught by the new cameras and will include:
- $1,033 and 4 demerit points for illegal mobile phone use
- $413 and 3 demerit points for failing to wear a seatbelt. Drivers can also be fined a further $413 and 3 demerit points for each passenger not properly restrained.
- Double demerit points apply for repeat mobile phone and seatbelt offences committed within a 12-month period.
Exemptions
Seatbelt exemption, either because of a medical condition or disability, is permitted given that you have submitted a notification for seatbelt exemption. For a list of accepted documents, kindly visit the Queensland Government’s website.
