Speed Camera

Covert Cameras Reduce Queensland Road Toll

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Queensland Road Toll reduction linked to the introduction of Covert Speed Cameras

The Queensland road toll is down by 54 so far this year with covert speed cameras being credited with the reduction.

This year's road toll stands at 94, which is 54 less than the same time last year.

Police continue to advise drivers to take care on the roads despite Queensland having one of its best starts to the road toll in years.

Road safety authorities have privately expressed the opinion that the reduction in the road toll can be directly linked with the introduction of covert speed cameras earlier this year.

The result is akin to a similar reduction in the road toll in 1998, when 81 fewer people died on the roads compared with the year before after the introduction of mobile speed cameras.

The new Covert cameras were the cause of much debate when they were introduced over the Easter weekend earlier this year, with many questioning their use as a revenue raising tool.

There has even been a Facebook page dedicated to revealing the identiity of the covert camera vehichles over recent months.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson praised Queensland drivers for this year's low toll, but warned drivers against becoming complacent whilst on the roads.

He said. "We're very pleased but we're cautious, there is a long way to go and I would encourage all Queensland motorists to continue what they have been doing this year."

Police have also been conducting road-safety operations in The South East and regional centres over the past week.

In Rockhampton, police conducted more than 875 breath tests over the weekend, with only four people being charged with drink driving.

Kangaroo Point was the subject of a road safety blitz on Friday, which coincided with Fatality Free Friday.

The blitz produced 62 infringement notices, mostly for using a mobile phone while driving and no drivers returned a blood alcohol content that was above the legal limit.
There were no road deaths in Queensland recorded on Friday.

Michael Palmer

Date: 30/05/2010