Revenue from Queensland's traffic cameras is up by almost $200 million in a single year following a jump in the value of fines for speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
The state government is forecasting its Camera Detected Offence Program (CDOP) will bring in $465.8 million in revenue this financial year — up nearly 70 per cent on the $274.5 million collected in 2021-22.
Revenue from the program is expected to top $500 million in the new financial year.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said that is due to a rise in the number of cameras on Queensland roads, along with a jump in the value of certain fines.
The program includes red light cameras, mobile and fixed-speed cameras, mobile phone and seatbelt cameras, and speed camera signs in school zones.
"Research tells us that CDOP was associated with a reduction of 897 casualty crashes in 2020 and 1191 casualty crashes in 2021," Mr Bailey said.
"This translates to annual savings to the community of around $503 million and $678 million respectively by preventing injuries and fatalities.
"Any revenue collected from the CDOP is reinvested back into road safety initiatives by law."
From next financial year, the government forecasts CDOP revenue of $503.5 million – the equivalent of $1.37 million per day or about $57,480 per hour.
Driver distraction a 'huge' problem
RACQ's head of public policy Michael Kane said it was concerning to see the number of drivers being caught breaking the rules.
"It highlights that driver distraction and not wearing a seatbelt are still huge problems on Queensland roads," he said.
"Being distracted behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt are two of the five fatal driving behaviours which cause a large number of deaths of Queensland roads each year.
"Putting on your seatbelt should be as automatic as starting your engine and it's so important to avoid doing anything that takes your eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off the task of driving."
Dr Kane suggested boosting police visibility on the roads as one way to change driver behaviour.
"We know this works — and it's what our members are calling for," he said.
On July 1 last year, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt increased from $413 to $1,078, while the penalty for speeding between 31 kilometres per hour and 40kph over the limit climbed from $643 to $1,078.
The fine for running a red light increased from $413 to $575.
The fine for drivers nabbed travelling more than 40kph over the speed limit increased from $1,286 to $1,653.
