Australians outraged! This hidden detail in the photo could drain your wallet by hundreds – can you spot it?
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In a world where every dollar counts, especially for those of us who have bid farewell to the regular paychecks of full-time work, the last thing we need is to be forking out hundreds of dollars for fines. But that's exactly what could happen if you're not eagle-eyed on the roads, as some Aussie drivers recently discovered to their dismay.
A photograph circulating on social media has captured the attention and ire of Australian motorists. The image, taken on a road at Yugar on the outskirts of Brisbane, shows a mobile speed camera cunningly concealed among the foliage, almost as if playing a game of hide and seek with unsuspecting drivers. The camera, mounted on a tripod, was reportedly not accompanied by any warning signs in the vicinity, leaving drivers feeling trapped and deceived.
The sneaky setup has sparked a heated debate online, with many accusing the authorities of using speed cameras as a tool for revenue raising rather than promoting road safety. 'If (speed cameras) are hidden, it's not about safety, it's about revenue,' one social media user argued, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many others who view the obscured camera as a cash grab rather than a deterrent.
The sarcasm was palpable as another user quipped, 'Remember, it's definitely for safety and not to raise money,' while another humorously suggested that the revenue raising was essential to compensate for the money lost after the state government slashed public transport fares.
However, not everyone is up in arms about the hidden camera. Some motorists have defended the tactic, arguing that if you're adhering to the speed limit, you have nothing to worry about. They point out that the effectiveness of a speed camera is diminished if it's too visible, as drivers would simply slow down when approaching the camera and then speed up again once past it. 'The point is to not speed 'cause you know you won't spot it before you get done,' one supporter of the strategy stated.
The confusion also extends to the legality of such camera placements, with comparisons being drawn between the mobile camera laws in New South Wales and Queensland. In NSW, there's a requirement to alert motorists to the presence of fixed digital speed cameras, but in Queensland, while camera vehicles are marked, around 30% of them are not.
Queensland Police have been tight-lipped about the specific location or camera in the photograph but have confirmed the use of 'TruCam' speed cameras, which can be tripod-mounted and have been in operation for several years.
The penalties for speeding in Queensland are steep, with fines of $464 and three demerit points for driving between 11 and 20km/h over the limit, and even heftier fines of $696 and four demerit points for exceeding the limit by 20 to 30km/h.
Stuart Thistlewood, CEO of EasyAs driver school, weighed in on the controversy, describing the photo as a 'light-hearted' observation with a serious message. He highlighted that such cameras are increasingly common and can catch drivers, particularly new ones, off guard. He advised learner drivers and those on provisional licenses to always drive slightly under the speed limit, as they have fewer demerit points to spare.
For our members, this serves as a reminder to remain vigilant on the roads and to always adhere to the speed limits. It's not just about avoiding fines; it's about ensuring safety for all road users. And if you do find yourself caught by a hidden camera, it's worth questioning the placement and visibility of the device, as transparency and fairness should be a part of the road safety equation.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Have you ever been caught out by a hidden speed camera? Do you think they serve as an effective deterrent, or are they simply a revenue-raising tactic? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
A photograph circulating on social media has captured the attention and ire of Australian motorists. The image, taken on a road at Yugar on the outskirts of Brisbane, shows a mobile speed camera cunningly concealed among the foliage, almost as if playing a game of hide and seek with unsuspecting drivers. The camera, mounted on a tripod, was reportedly not accompanied by any warning signs in the vicinity, leaving drivers feeling trapped and deceived.
Footage of a mobile speed camera hidden in bushes near Brisbane outraged drivers. Credit: Tiktok / EasyAs Driver Training AU
The sneaky setup has sparked a heated debate online, with many accusing the authorities of using speed cameras as a tool for revenue raising rather than promoting road safety. 'If (speed cameras) are hidden, it's not about safety, it's about revenue,' one social media user argued, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many others who view the obscured camera as a cash grab rather than a deterrent.
The sarcasm was palpable as another user quipped, 'Remember, it's definitely for safety and not to raise money,' while another humorously suggested that the revenue raising was essential to compensate for the money lost after the state government slashed public transport fares.
However, not everyone is up in arms about the hidden camera. Some motorists have defended the tactic, arguing that if you're adhering to the speed limit, you have nothing to worry about. They point out that the effectiveness of a speed camera is diminished if it's too visible, as drivers would simply slow down when approaching the camera and then speed up again once past it. 'The point is to not speed 'cause you know you won't spot it before you get done,' one supporter of the strategy stated.
The confusion also extends to the legality of such camera placements, with comparisons being drawn between the mobile camera laws in New South Wales and Queensland. In NSW, there's a requirement to alert motorists to the presence of fixed digital speed cameras, but in Queensland, while camera vehicles are marked, around 30% of them are not.
Queensland Police have been tight-lipped about the specific location or camera in the photograph but have confirmed the use of 'TruCam' speed cameras, which can be tripod-mounted and have been in operation for several years.
The penalties for speeding in Queensland are steep, with fines of $464 and three demerit points for driving between 11 and 20km/h over the limit, and even heftier fines of $696 and four demerit points for exceeding the limit by 20 to 30km/h.
Stuart Thistlewood, CEO of EasyAs driver school, weighed in on the controversy, describing the photo as a 'light-hearted' observation with a serious message. He highlighted that such cameras are increasingly common and can catch drivers, particularly new ones, off guard. He advised learner drivers and those on provisional licenses to always drive slightly under the speed limit, as they have fewer demerit points to spare.
For our members, this serves as a reminder to remain vigilant on the roads and to always adhere to the speed limits. It's not just about avoiding fines; it's about ensuring safety for all road users. And if you do find yourself caught by a hidden camera, it's worth questioning the placement and visibility of the device, as transparency and fairness should be a part of the road safety equation.
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So true
