Chris Whiting MP has welcomed the roll-out of roadside cameras to catch drivers using their phones behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.
Chris Whiting said using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.
“Distracted driving is a silent killer on the state’s roads,” said Chris Whiting MP.
“Our message has always been direct and very simple: just put your phone away.
“We successfully trialled these cameras last year, and have been talking about them coming to Queensland roads for two years.
“That time has arrived, and from July 26, the cameras will be out on roads across the state ready to spot drivers using their phones when they’re driving.
“There will be a three month grace period for drivers, meaning those caught on camera using their phone between 26 July and 31 October this year would be notified and made aware they had been caught, but not fined.
“But from 1 November, any driver caught by the cameras can expect to receive a $1033 fine and lose four demerit points.
“The cameras will also be able to detect drivers and their front seat passengers not wearing their seatbelts.
“Last year, 43 people who died in crashes in Queensland weren’t wearing a seatbelt,” said Chris Whiting
Fast Facts about Distracted Driving/Seatbelt Cameras
- The cameras will start operating on Queensland roads on Monday 26 July 2021
- There will be a three-month period where warning notices will be given to offenders before fines start being issued
- Fines will start being issued to anyone caught by the cameras from 1 November 2021
- The cameras will be in operation anywhere, anytime
- The current penalty for using a mobile phone is $1033 and four demerit points
- The current penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is $413 and three demerit points
- Two-thirds of Queenslanders admit to using their mobile phones illegally while driving
- Driver distraction contributes to almost 20 per cent of serious injuries and 12 per cent of all lives lost on Queensland roads.
