Published Monday, 02 April, 2007 at 05:15 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
QLD GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES EASTER ROAD SAFETY BLITZ
Premier Peter Beattie has urged Queenslanders to slow down on roads over Easter or face the consequences, with Queensland’s Road Safety blitz now officially underway.
Premier Peter Beattie, who joined Police Minister Judy Spence and Acting Transport Minister Desley Boyle to launch the 2007 Easter road safety campaign, said Queensland’s 2007 road toll was already up on last year.
“Tragically, 86 people have died on Queensland roads already this year - 12 more road deaths than at the same time last year,” Mr Beattie said.
“The Easter period is a notoriously bad time for road accidents and too many people die needlessly at this time of year. The Government’s message is simple – slow down or cop the consequences.
“We will continue to crack down on dangerous driving, particularly during holiday periods and this year’s Easter campaign has some hefty new penalties behind it.
“In the last year, my Government has introduced a range of new road safety measures including year-round double demerit points for high speed offenders, immediate licence suspensions for repeat and high-end drink drivers and toughened anti-hooning laws.
“We are serious about playing our part in keeping Queensland’s roads safe but at the end of the day, drivers have to take responsibility for their actions and slow down,” he said.
Ms Spence said police would be out in force over the Easter break, again targeting speedsters, drink drivers and those not wearing seat belts.
“Easter is one of the busiest times to be on the road, and by simply reducing our speed and thinking about our surroundings, we can help avoid becoming a statistic.” Ms Spence said.
“Beginning today police will maintain a strong and visible presence across Queensland, with additional hours spent on traffic enforcement, but there is only so much they can do.
“It is up to all of us to change our attitude towards driving, and act responsibly on our roads.
“Those who don't will be caught by the police.”
Ms Spence said police expected to spend an additional 7,500 hours over the Easter holiday period performing traffic enforcement commencing Midnight last night and running until Midnight 16 April.
“The government is continuing to fund an extra 500 police officer hours a day on traffic duties during this holiday period, which is equivalent to an additional 62.5 police officers a day on our roads,” Ms Spence said.
“Last Easter police performed 167,390 random breath tests. This year they will perform just as many. If you drink and drive, you will be caught,” she said.
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Desley Boyle said driving tired was another potential killer on Queensland roads.
“People can avoid driving tired by planning a short stop into their trip every two hours and making use of the Driver Reviver sites operating around Queensland over Easter,” she said.
“Wearing a seatbelt will significantly improve your chances of survival in an accident, and parents should also make sure their children are properly buckled up.”
Media contact – Premier’s office 3224 4500
Minister’s office 3239 6218
Police Media 3015 2444
2 April 2007
Premier Peter Beattie, who joined Police Minister Judy Spence and Acting Transport Minister Desley Boyle to launch the 2007 Easter road safety campaign, said Queensland’s 2007 road toll was already up on last year.
“Tragically, 86 people have died on Queensland roads already this year - 12 more road deaths than at the same time last year,” Mr Beattie said.
“The Easter period is a notoriously bad time for road accidents and too many people die needlessly at this time of year. The Government’s message is simple – slow down or cop the consequences.
“We will continue to crack down on dangerous driving, particularly during holiday periods and this year’s Easter campaign has some hefty new penalties behind it.
“In the last year, my Government has introduced a range of new road safety measures including year-round double demerit points for high speed offenders, immediate licence suspensions for repeat and high-end drink drivers and toughened anti-hooning laws.
“We are serious about playing our part in keeping Queensland’s roads safe but at the end of the day, drivers have to take responsibility for their actions and slow down,” he said.
Ms Spence said police would be out in force over the Easter break, again targeting speedsters, drink drivers and those not wearing seat belts.
“Easter is one of the busiest times to be on the road, and by simply reducing our speed and thinking about our surroundings, we can help avoid becoming a statistic.” Ms Spence said.
“Beginning today police will maintain a strong and visible presence across Queensland, with additional hours spent on traffic enforcement, but there is only so much they can do.
“It is up to all of us to change our attitude towards driving, and act responsibly on our roads.
“Those who don't will be caught by the police.”
Ms Spence said police expected to spend an additional 7,500 hours over the Easter holiday period performing traffic enforcement commencing Midnight last night and running until Midnight 16 April.
“The government is continuing to fund an extra 500 police officer hours a day on traffic duties during this holiday period, which is equivalent to an additional 62.5 police officers a day on our roads,” Ms Spence said.
“Last Easter police performed 167,390 random breath tests. This year they will perform just as many. If you drink and drive, you will be caught,” she said.
Acting Minister for Transport and Main Roads Desley Boyle said driving tired was another potential killer on Queensland roads.
“People can avoid driving tired by planning a short stop into their trip every two hours and making use of the Driver Reviver sites operating around Queensland over Easter,” she said.
“Wearing a seatbelt will significantly improve your chances of survival in an accident, and parents should also make sure their children are properly buckled up.”
Media contact – Premier’s office 3224 4500
Minister’s office 3239 6218
Police Media 3015 2444
2 April 2007