Hi-tech traffic cameras catch 500 Queensland drivers a day on mobile phones & not wearing seatbelts 

Almost 500 drivers a day have been caught using mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts while behind the wheel by new hi-tech traffic cameras. 

The Queensland Government reported 6,288 people were nabbed by the innovative mobile phone and seatbelt cameras in the two-week period between January 25 and February 7. 

The new automated system uses artificial intelligence (AI) software to analyse instantly high-definition photos taken through the windscreen of every passing car. 

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the latest round of figures – which equates to 500 a day – was ‘absolutely unacceptable’.

‘These people have a clear lack of regard for themselves and those around them,’ he said.

‘It’s time unsafe drivers in Queensland realise it is only a matter of time until they’re caught and fined heavily for driving distracted or not wearing a seat belt.’

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk compared driving while using a mobile phone to drink driving in a Tweet on Saturday

Mr Bailey said more than 37,594 Queenslanders have been caught flouting road rules since November 1 last year.  

Of the figure, 26,491 drivers were sprung using their phone behind the wheel, while 11,000 were caught not wearing a seatbelt or wearing one incorrectly. 

Drivers caught using a mobile phone risk being stung with a $1,033 fine and motorists without a seatbelt can cop three demerit points and a fine of $413.

Minister Bailey said the state government would be cracking down on motorists who continue to break road rules.  

Drivers caught using a mobile phone risk being stung with a $1,033 fine and motorists without a seatbelt can cop three demerit points and a fine of $413

‘We’re cracking down on phone fiends and those not wearing seatbelts – with new anywhere anytime high-tech cameras and heavy fines,’ he said.

‘We know using a phone while driving is the equivalent of getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.07 – 0.10 – it’s just not on.

‘It’s simple. If you don’t want a fine, don’t break the rules. 

Mr Bailey reminded motorists that an average of 29 people are killed and 1,284 are seriously injured each year from crashes caused by distracted drivers. 

In 2021, nearly 40 per cent of fatalities and people seriously injured were from car accidents where drivers failed to wear a seatbelt. 

The state of the art cameras were switched on in Queensland in July 2021, with nearly $18 million in fines so far dished out to distracted drivers.