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# Highway Robbery or Safety First? New QLD Roadwork Cameras Dish Out Hundreds of Fines Daily
- URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/highway-robbery-or-safety-first-new-qld-roadwork-cameras-dish-out-hundreds-of-fines-daily/
- Published: 2024-12-17T09:56:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-12-17T09:56:00.000Z
- Description: New roadwork speed cameras in QLD issue 1,500+ fines in 4 months, sparking debate: safety necessity or hidden cash grab? Slow down or pay up!
- Author: Dylan Anderson
- Tags: Car News, Speeding, QLD

Queensland drivers are feeling the sting of *new “hidden” roadwork cameras*, with **more than 1,500 fines issued in just four months**—sparking debate over safety vs revenue raising.

## **What’s Happening?**

Since **May 1, 2024**, mobile speed cameras have been secretly snapping drivers at roadwork sites across Queensland, issuing **1,568 fines** in total—averaging **10 fines per day**. 

With **three cameras** already operational and a **fourth soon to join**, authorities show no signs of slowing down.

According to the **Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)**, the cameras target **high-risk areas**, with placement based on demand and speeding risks. But not everyone’s convinced this is just about safety.

![Highway Robbery or Safety First? New QLD Roadwork Cameras Dish Out Hundreds of Fines Daily](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/2024/12/QLD-Roadwork-Speed-cameras.png)

## **The Shocking Numbers**

One offender was clocked at a jaw-dropping **148kph** in a **60kph zone**—but controversially, they **escaped punishment** because the cameras weren’t yet issuing fines.

> This begs the question: *“Are these cameras about road safety or just punishing everyday motorists?”*

## **Why Roadworkers Support the Cameras**

Despite public backlash, roadworkers say the cameras are already making a difference.

> “The cameras have been shown to reduce speeding at roadwork sites, and workers have reported feeling safer when these devices are deployed,” a **TMR spokesperson** said.

RACQ’s **Joel Tucker** agrees, emphasizing that roadwork zones are *workplaces*, not just traffic zones.

> “Roadwork sites are a workplace for a lot of people, and everyone should be able to get home safely,” Mr Tucker explained.

He added:

> “Sometimes it’s not obvious why limits are lowered, but often it’s to protect workers or account for new hazards like equipment near the lanes.”

## **How the Cameras Work**

The cameras are:

- **Solar-powered** and fully mobile.
- Capable of being deployed by **roadwork contractors** who observe speeding risks.
- Designed to enforce **lower speed limits** at high-risk zones, like Ipswich’s **Warrego Highway**, where the first fines were issued.

## **Revenue Raising or Life Saving? The Debate Rages**

Critics argue the cameras are nothing more than a **cash grab**, with hundreds of Queenslanders now facing hefty penalties. 

Others question whether better signage and education could achieve the same safety outcomes without hitting wallets.

However, supporters counter that these cameras are **saving lives**. 

With roadwork-related injuries and fatalities still a concern, authorities insist the focus is safety first.

## **The Bottom Line**

Whether you see them as a **necessary evil** or **highway robbery**, Queensland’s new roadwork speed cameras are here to stay. 

Drivers are being warned:

**Slow down or pay up.**

Is it about protecting workers, or is it all about revenue? **You decide.**

## **See Also**

[Low-Level Speeding Fines: A Growing Revenue Source for StatesLow-level speeding fines becoming significant revenue source, with $13 billion collected in 2021\. 43 states allocate ticket revenue to courts or law enforcement, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest in enforcement.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-81.ico)CarExploreAize Carter![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/queensland-roadworks-cameras-speed-camera-2.png)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/low-level-speeding-fines-a-growing-revenue-source-for-states/)

[P-Plater Caught Doing 155km/h Over the Limit – Are P-Platers a Menace on the Road?A 20-year-old driver from Glenreagh was caught speeding at 155km/h on the Gwydir Highway, resulting in multiple penalties including a six-month licence suspension. This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by NSW police to ensure road safety.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-82.ico)CarExploreDylan Gow![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/Coffs-Harbour-HWP-Fine.png)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/p-plater-caught-doing-155km-h-over-the-limit-are-p-platers-a-menace-on-the-road/)