Hold the Red to save lives

Potentially life-saving technology that can reduce the risk of crashes caused by drivers running red lights is being trailed at a number of locations in Queensland.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the innovation was already in use in Florida where it has been credited with cutting collisions at intersections.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads has teamed up with Queensland Police to put this technology – known as Hold the Red - to the test on Queensland roads,” he said.

“Hold the Red is an active collision prevention system using radar to detect vehicles that are about to run a red light.

“When the danger is identified the opposing traffic lights are held on red to halt drivers waiting for their lights to change to green.”

Mr Bailey said about 11 per cent of all serious casualties on Queensland roads occurred at intersections with traffic lights.

“During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3,000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland,” he said.

“Red light running is a complex problem. There is no single reason why drivers do it but what we do know is that resulting accidents are likely to be T-bone crashes, which have a higher potential of causing death or serious injury.

“Hold the Red lowers the risk of a crash at sites where it is installed while still allowing for offenders to be penalised.

“This will keep other drivers safe, while still acting as a deterrence to offenders.”

Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to reducing the emotional and financial burden road trauma placed on the community.

“Hold the Red represents a success for the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to embracing new ideas and technology,” he said.

“I am excited to announce Queensland is leading the way in Australia by being the first to trial Hold the Red.”

He said the trial would be evaluated by independent consultants.