POLICE are getting tough on people who talk or text on their phone while driving, with double demerit points for those caught repeatedly breaking the law.
The tougher penalties are among a range of recommendations arising from last month’s Safer Roads, Safer Queensland forum at Parliament House where top level talks were held with road safety experts on ways to address an alarming spike in the 2015 Easter road toll.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jo-Ann Miller and Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said all of the recommendations were strongly supported by key stakeholders, including the police, RACQ, Bicycle Queensland, the Motorcycle Riders Association of Queensland and the Queensland Trucking Association.
“It was the worst Easter road toll in Queensland in more than 20 years and we went into the forum with a collective determination to turn these terrible statistics around,” Ms Miller said.
Ms Miller said the Queensland Police Service would investigate expanding automatic number plate recognition technology in police vehicles.
“For too long, dangerous unregistered and unlicensed drivers have been over-represented in crash statistics. Greater use of this technology will give police the resources they need to target reckless and irresponsible drivers,” Ms Miller said.
“We will expand training for our road policing officers to better detect and deter broader criminal activities, along with enhanced drug driving operations across the state.”
Minister Bailey said immediate measures would be taken to target distracted drivers and people who take drugs and get behind the wheel.
“Drivers caught committing repeat mobile phone offences within a year can expect double demerits, similar to those imposed on repeat offenders who don’t wear a seatbelt or a motorcycle helmet, or who exceed the speed limit by more than 20km/h,” he said.
“We will form a Citizen’s Taskforce that will report direct to government on important road safety issues and the steps that need to be taken to make our roads safer.
“Road safety is everyone’s business, but if it’s left to governments alone it will never work. It is the responsibility of all of us.”
