As we navigate the Aussie roads, we're all too familiar with the orange cones and flashing lights that signal roadworks ahead.

It's a sign to slow down, not just for our safety but for the safety of the workers who make our roads better.

However, it seems that not everyone is heeding these warnings, and it's hitting their wallets hard.


In a recent development that's causing quite a stir among Queensland motorists, new mobile speed cameras have been rolled out specifically to target speeding in roadworks zones.

These cameras are not just a fleeting presence; they're here to stay, and they're proving to be quite effective—or costly, depending on how you look at it.


Between May 1 and September 30, these vigilant guardians of the roadworks zones have issued a staggering 1,568 speeding infringement notices.

That's an average of 10 fines per day, or over 300 each month, which certainly adds up to a significant sum.

With three cameras currently operational and a fourth on the way, it's clear that authorities are serious about cracking down on this issue.


The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has been transparent about the strategy behind the camera placements, which are determined by demand and risk profiles.

‘The cameras have been shown to reduce speeding at roadwork sites, and workers have reported feeling safer when these devices are deployed on-site,’ a spokesperson stated.

‘Roadwork contractors can also apply to have these devices deployed at their site if they have observed speeding.’

These solar-powered cameras are not fixed; they sit on a mobile platform, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to the ever-changing landscape of roadworks.

The first camera to start issuing fines was positioned on the Warrego Highway in Ipswich, enforcing a 60kph speed limit near the Bremer River Bridge.

The previous state Labor government initially promised that the speed cameras would start operating in September 2022. However, there were significant delays, and for a period, the cameras only recorded vehicle speeds.

According to TMR, one driver was caught speeding at 148kph in a 60kph zone, but no fine was issued because the incident occurred before the camera system was fully operational.


The RACQ has voiced its support for the cameras, emphasising the importance of obeying speed limits, especially in roadworks zones.

Joel Tucker, RACQ's Road Safety and Technical Manager, stated that the organisation wants drivers to adhere to speed limits, especially in construction zones.

‘It's really important to remember that roadworks sites are a workplace for a lot of people, and everyone should be able to get home from work safely,’ he said.

‘We do have lower speed limits at roadworks sites and that is to protect the people that work there.’

‘A lot of the time, they don't have any physical protection other than some traffic cones and things like that,’ Mr Tucker added.


He also explained that road construction projects are essential for improving road conditions.

‘Sometimes it's not always obvious as to why a limit may be reduced,’ Mr Tucker pointed out.

‘But there is often a good reason for it, such as a less forgiving roadside environment, or plant or other equipment that's close to the lane that introduces a new hazard that wasn't there before.’

‘We've got to trust the experts on this and let them do their job and help them to do their job safely,’ he continued.
Have you had an experience with these new roadworks speed cameras? Do you think they're an effective way to improve safety or just another way to collect fines? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take on this modern approach to road safety.