New School Zone Cameras Target Speeding Drivers
Brisbane, Queensland
New speed cameras fixed inside flashing school zone signs were switched on across Queensland for the first time on 23rd January.
The purpose-built cameras were part of a world-first pilot designed to protect students during their daily travels, according to Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.
“We know there have been many instances of vehicles not stopping for school crossings, despite the crossing supervisors and students accessing the road at the time.”
“New cameras will target speeding drivers in school zones to keep Queensland kids, parents and teachers safe,” Mark said.
“Children can be unpredictable and are especially vulnerable to vehicles travelling at speed.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the cameras would be rotated across prioritised high-risk school zones state-wide during the pilot program and would be operational during school zone hours.
Mark said the new system would also monitor school crossing movements.
“We know there have been many instances of vehicles not stopping for school crossings, despite the crossing supervisors and students accessing the road at the time,” he said.
“When activated by the presence of a school crossing supervisor, the RBMS (Roadways Behavioural Monitoring System) can monitor and record any near-hits or traffic and road safety incidents.
“This allows us to collect and analyse incident details to help inform future road safety improvements.”
RACQ General Manager of Advocacy Joshua Cooney said the Club was concerned too many motorists still did not take school zone speed limits seriously.
“Our latest Road Safety Survey showed that despite almost 90% of Queenslanders driving their kids to school, half admitted to speeding in a school zone. It’s simply not good enough,” Mr Cooney said.
“Every child should be able to get to and from school safely, and as drivers, we all have a responsibility to make sure that happens”.
| Speed over the limit bracket | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total |
| 13-20 kmh | 9,705 | 6,993 | 6,690 | 3,932 | 27,320 |
| 21-30 kmh | 1,445 | 1,156 | 1,112 | 1,100 | 4,813 |
| 31-40 kmh | 128 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 413 |
| <13 kmh | 7,798 | 5,655 | 4,661 | 2,560 | 20,674 |
| >40 kmh | 15 | 12 | 7 | 12 | 46 |
| Total | 19,091 | 13,910 | 12,565 | 7,700 | 53,266 |