Drivers beware: Speeding could cost you way more in this state starting July!
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As motorists hit the road, the issue of speeding continues to be a significant concern for road safety authorities.
The allure of speed can sometimes lead to dangerous consequences, posing risks not only to drivers themselves, but also to other road users.
The sunny roads of Australia might seem inviting for a leisurely drive or a quick dash to get to your destination faster, but for lead-footed drivers in one state, there's an imminent sting in the tail.
Starting July 1, Queensland will enforce an uptick of more than four per cent in penalties for traffic infringements.
This decision to raise the stakes came with a stern reminder from Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, 'We need to ensure the deterrent effect of penalties and fines remains current, and people who break the law do not get a free ride.’
Getting caught driving less than 11 kilometres per hour over the limit will now fetch a fine of $322.
Moreover, if your mobile phone becomes a road distraction, the penalty will set you back more than $1,200.
Motorists exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 kilometres per hour can expect a fine that edges close to the $1900 mark.
However, for those familiar with adjusting their budget around yearly car-related expenses, there's a silver lining of sorts—vehicle registration renewals will not experience a hike this year.
Treasurer Dick's advice is simple: 'The simplest and easy way for someone not to pay a fine, indexed or otherwise, is to obey the law.'
The increased fines also set the stage for the ongoing debate about Queensland’s collection of road revenue, with Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie pointing out recent controversies.
'We've seen the botched rollout of the seatbelt camera detection system where the government has issued fines where fines shouldn't have been issued,' Bleijie commented.
‘What Queenslanders want to know is whether those fees and charges are going back to road safety and maintenance of road programs.’
This brings to light concerns over the fairness and reliability of the state's road revenue collection system.
Underpinning these significant penalties is the state's dependency on the revenue generated from fines for its treasury.
The anticipated revenue from speeding fines alone is estimated to exceed $850 million in the next fiscal year.
Authorities have long been cracking down on traffic violators.
In October, they were also investigating another scheme that’s been going around in social media regarding the sale of demerit points for cash.
What do you think about this penalty increase? Share your stories with us in the comments below!
The allure of speed can sometimes lead to dangerous consequences, posing risks not only to drivers themselves, but also to other road users.
The sunny roads of Australia might seem inviting for a leisurely drive or a quick dash to get to your destination faster, but for lead-footed drivers in one state, there's an imminent sting in the tail.
Starting July 1, Queensland will enforce an uptick of more than four per cent in penalties for traffic infringements.
This decision to raise the stakes came with a stern reminder from Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, 'We need to ensure the deterrent effect of penalties and fines remains current, and people who break the law do not get a free ride.’
Getting caught driving less than 11 kilometres per hour over the limit will now fetch a fine of $322.
Moreover, if your mobile phone becomes a road distraction, the penalty will set you back more than $1,200.
Motorists exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 kilometres per hour can expect a fine that edges close to the $1900 mark.
However, for those familiar with adjusting their budget around yearly car-related expenses, there's a silver lining of sorts—vehicle registration renewals will not experience a hike this year.
Treasurer Dick's advice is simple: 'The simplest and easy way for someone not to pay a fine, indexed or otherwise, is to obey the law.'
The increased fines also set the stage for the ongoing debate about Queensland’s collection of road revenue, with Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie pointing out recent controversies.
'We've seen the botched rollout of the seatbelt camera detection system where the government has issued fines where fines shouldn't have been issued,' Bleijie commented.
‘What Queenslanders want to know is whether those fees and charges are going back to road safety and maintenance of road programs.’
This brings to light concerns over the fairness and reliability of the state's road revenue collection system.
Underpinning these significant penalties is the state's dependency on the revenue generated from fines for its treasury.
The anticipated revenue from speeding fines alone is estimated to exceed $850 million in the next fiscal year.
Authorities have long been cracking down on traffic violators.
In October, they were also investigating another scheme that’s been going around in social media regarding the sale of demerit points for cash.
Key Takeaways
- Queensland's government announced that fines for road infringements will increase by more than 4 per cent starting July 1.
- The treasurer emphasised the need to maintain the deterrent effect of penalties to prevent people from breaking the law.
- The cost for minor speeding offences will rise to $322, being caught using a phone while driving will exceed $1,200, and major speeding offences will be almost $1,900.
- Despite the increase in traffic infringements, Queensland’s deputy opposition leader expressed concerns about how the road revenue is managed and used for road safety and maintenance programs.
What do you think about this penalty increase? Share your stories with us in the comments below!