Little-known speed camera feature targeting drivers with $1,800 fines
The sight of a "cheeky" roadside camera targeting drivers going through road upgrades has prompted a reminder that even if workers are not present, speeding motorists can still cop a fine.[1][2] The remote-controlled and solar-powered camera[3], known as a Roadways Behaviour Monitoring System (RBMS), was spotted by a driver who branded the sighting on the A1 in Queensland last month "cheeky", sparking a discussion about revenue-raising[4]. However, authorities and motoring groups have urged drivers to remember that even if workers are not present, there may still be hazards, and fines still apply.[5][6]
"These camera devices enforce the speed limit 24 hours, 7 days a week, regardless of the presence of road-workers," a spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads[7] told Yahoo News. ADVERTISEMENT In Queensland, drivers caught speeding less than 11km/h over the limit will cop a £322 fine, and the fine increases by every 10km over the speed limit.
Drivers caught going 40km/h over the limit will face a £1,845 fine. In the new financial year which is just weeks away, fines in the state will increase by 3.5 per cent.
The state-of the-art cameras are catching out drivers in roadworks zones. Source: Transport and Main Roads Queensland
Roadside cameras designed to be moved around worksites
The cameras began issuing fines in Queensland in April[8] last year following a two-year data collection trial.
The portable solar-powered devices were designed and built to sit on top of a mobile platform and be easily moved around worksites via a remote control. Their main goal is to protect roadside workers from speeding drivers around Queensland, however, they were previously criticised for being unrecognisable[9] by passing drivers. ADVERTISEMENT
RACQ spokesperson Gregory Miszkowycz told Yahoo there are "strict procedures and approvals" for roadworks speed limit setting and signing to ensure they are relevant for the type of work being completed. "It's important to slow down and obey the speed limit as these sites often have road workers within close proximity of traffic as well as other hazards for drivers, including road alignment changes, narrow lanes and loose surfaces," Miszkowycz said.
Queensland's sobering road toll reminder
In 2024, Queensland recorded a 15-year high road toll with 303 people killed, and 1,300 deaths were recorded nationally[10]. "Time and time again we see the same 'Fatal 5' dangerous driving behaviours causing the majority of fatal crashes," Miszkowycz said.
The fatal 5 behaviours include:
Speeding
Drink and drug driving
Driving distracted
Driving tired
Not wearing a seatbelt
ADVERTISEMENT RACQ is calling on drivers to change their attitudes towards speeding, to slow down and follow road rules.
It is also calling on the state government to "improve law and order" on roads. "We're calling for an increase in highly visible on-road police, more random roadside drink and drug testing, and point-to-point speed cameras in high-crash zones, as well as cracking down on the state's most dangerous drivers through expanded impoundment or immobilisation laws," Miszkowycz said. Transport and Main Roads also urged Aussies to remember that "somebody's family member may be working in these environments, and they want to get home safely".
In the 10 years between January 1, 2014 and 30 June 2024, there were 508 casualties in road works zones, with eight fatalities. "Slowing down, adhering to the speed limit, staying alert, driving to conditions, and following directions from traffic controllers will help ensure everyone gets home safely to their families," the spokesperson said. Do you have a story tip?
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References
- ^ "cheeky" roadside camera (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ speeding motorists can still cop a fine. (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ camera (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ revenue-raising (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ motoring groups (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ fines still apply. (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ Transport and Main Roads (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ cameras began issuing fines in Queensland in April (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ criticised for being unrecognisable (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ 1,300 deaths were recorded nationally (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ [email protected] (au.news.yahoo.com)
- ^ Facebook (www.facebook.com)
- ^ Instagram (www.instagram.com)
- ^ TikTok (www.tiktok.com)
- ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
- ^ YouTube (www.youtube.com)