A DROP in the tolerance margin for speeding of just 1km/h is likely to deliver at least $9 million extra in fines over the next year.
In the first week of July, when police first started enforcing the lower tolerance, 7268 drivers were caught exceeding the 60km/h limit, compared with 6081 in the same period last year - a 19.5 per cent increase.
Although more time was devoted to speed enforcement in the period this year, the rate of detection was still up by 13.6 per cent (from 15.71 for every 1000 vehicles to 17.85).
Based on the minimum speeding fine of $146 for exceeding the limit by up to 13km/h, the increased detections in that one week would have resulted in $173,000 of extra revenue for the state.
The new tolerance level is being used for 60km/h zones and police are understood to be planning to extend the new regime to other speed limits.
It is understood the change in tolerance amounts to just 1km/h and only applies in the 60km/h zone - where most offenders are caught.
Queensland Police Service refuse to reveal the new tolerance levels.
The hours of operation by speed cameras in the first week of July was 891, compared with 755 the same period last year.
Road safety campaigner Russell White said motorists should be treating the speed limit as a "limit" and not be concerned with how much faster they can go without being fined.
"It seems people expect more lenience, and to me there's a broader underlying issue of why we've got to push every possible margin," said Mr White, the founder of Fatality Free Friday.
"After all, speed enforcement is a user pays system, and if you do the right thing you have nothing to worry about."
Steve Spalding, from Queensland's peak motoring body RACQ, said drivers should realise that speed limits were in place to help keep them safe.
"Our advice to motorists is that they should always treat the posted limit as the maximum speed limit, and they should not assume there is any tolerance or allowable margin," Mr Spalding said.
"The police don't clarify if or what that is for a reason, and under some road conditions it may be that the safe speed at which to travel is lower again."
A reduction in tolerance margins for other speed zones may occur once it is established that the State Traffic Camera Office can cope with the increase in detections, police sources revealed.
A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the drop in speeding tolerances was a "road safety initiative that we hope will save lives".
"The level of speed tolerances won't be revealed to avoid creating a de facto speed limit," said the spokeswoman.
This is no more about safety than gun confiscation is about saving the children. It's all about total subjugation.
ReplyDeleteMoney, follow the money. Another blatant raping of motorists hip pockets, I urge each and every motorist accused (remember they are allegations until proven) of exceeding a speed limit to challenge the allegation, you have a right to be innocent until proven guilty, you have a right to make the prosecuting agency prove their case, not you disprove it and you are entitled to free unhindered travel As well, the imposition of a fee, levy, fine or penalty prior to being found guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction is unlawful, we are protected by the constitution Imperial Applications Act 2006 for that scenario. Clog up the courts and agencies, summons the camera, you have a right to question your accuser, they cannot bring a camera into court to testify. Make them earn it. Stop being docile, make it so expensive to pursue these frivolous and vexatious tickets they have to give it up.
ReplyDeleteI propose that we post new bumper stickers on back of our cars saying to only go 55 km/h to reduce revenues :-). In that way, we all go slower and improve safety while making governmental agencies frustrated.
ReplyDeleteDrive at 55. What a great way to deprive our corrupt beyond redemption governments of revenue. This needs to happen.
ReplyDeleteIncompetent and corrupt governments will be forced to raise even more revenue in future. Next, and don't laugh, will quite possibly be a Global Carbon Tax, courtesy of further corrupt and cash-strapped governments - not to mention fabulously wealthy friends. Following that, who knows? How does an Oxygen Tax sound? Either way, do the so-called right thing (heaven help us, 1KM/PH over the speed limit - sacre bleu!) and the consequent drop in forced donations can only mean they come calling with new guns blazing. Again, do not laugh.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the good people of Queensland take those cameras and stuff them up the rear's of their Political Class!
ReplyDelete