New laws to reduce the number of young people killed on roads

Laws passed through State Parliament today aim to reduce the frightening number of young people killed on Queensland roads, Minister for Police Judy Spence and Minister for Transport Paul Lucas said today.

From July 1 new laws will prevent provisional licence holders under 25 and provisional probationary and restricted licence holders from carrying more than one passenger under 21 years in a car between 11PM and 5 AM.

The Police and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2007 amends the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 to support Queensland police in enforcing these new laws.

“Under the changes police officers can now ask these drivers and their passengers for their date of birth and to show proof of their age,” Ms Spence said.

“Police officers must be allowed to investigate if provisional licence holders are breaking the law by carrying more than one passenger under 21 years of age after July 1.

“The onus will now be on the driver to do the right thing and obey these laws,” Ms Spence said

Mr Lucas said the new laws will limit the number of young people in each vehicle therefore reducing the chance of multiple deaths or injuries in an accident.

“Police are being given an important tool in enforcing young driver and passenger restrictions,” Mr Lucas said.

Ms Spence said if people obey these laws, it will go a long way to reducing the shocking road toll among Queensland youths.

“This government is doing all it can to help reduce the number of young people killed on Queensland roads and these new laws will control the number of young people in a car if an accident does occur.

“The ability of police enforce these laws, is essential to help protect the lives of young people in this state,” Ms Spence said.

The Bill will also amend the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 to allow a police officer to serve a notice to appear if requested to do so by another officer.

“Previously a notice to appear had to be served personally by the officer investigating an offence,” Ms Spence said.

“Under the amendments the officer who requests another officer serve a notice to appear on their behalf will remain the complainant in the matter.

“The Bill also makes a number of minor and technical amendments to remove redundant provisions and correct deficiencies or omissions and to implement agreed policy changes,” Ms Spence said.

Media Contact: Minister Spence’s Office: Troy Davies 3239 6218, 0439 673 287

Minister Lucas’ Office: Darren Roberts 3237 1942, 0448 184 566