Queensland removed its portable roadside speed camera warning signs on July 1, 2015. This decision marked a major policy change aimed at improving both safety and operational efficiency.
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Reason for Removal
Queensland Police identified the signs as a logistical challenge and a frequent source of complaints. The portable signs were often too small to be effective. In urban settings, they obstructed footpaths or took up parking spaces.
Replacement with Enhanced Vehicle Markings
Instead of using roadside signs, Queensland Police updated the visibility of speed camera vehicles. Mobile camera vans now feature large, clear placards with the "Join the Drive" campaign branding and prominent "Road Policing Command" identifiers. This approach ensures the vehicles are easily noticeable without needing separate signs.
Financial and Safety Context
Data from 2014 highlighted the role of speed enforcement:
| Year | Fines Issued | Hours of Operation | Fines per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 359,764 | 67,170 | 5.36 |
| 2013 | 436,080 | 92,303 | 4.72 |
| 2014 | 597,959 | 97,080 | 6.16 |
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At the time, fines for minor offences also increased. The minimum fine for speeding less than 13 km/h over the limit rose to $157 in 2015. Now in 2025, speeding up to 11km will result in $333 fine.
Road Safety Strategy
Authorities maintain that removing the signs, combined with visible vehicle placarding and covert enforcement, better targets lower-level speeding. This approach aims to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes. Enforcement focuses on high-risk areas such as school zones and highways, particularly during busy travel periods.
Additional Information
For more on Queensland's road safety programs and policies, visit the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
