HIGHWAY SPEED TRIAL

Speeding drivers on the Cunningham Highway are on notice with Main Roads launching a trial of real-time interactive warnings.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, said Main Roads expected the trial would provide an insight into driver behaviour.

“Lead-footed motorists will be flashed with a real-time warning message on an overhead electronic board when excessive speed is detected by the system.

“A series of sensors has been embedded in the highway south of the Barclay Street overpass at New Chum.

“The first set of sensors measures the pace of eastbound vehicles and triggers a warning on an electronic message board 400 metres down the highway.

“Additional sensors at and after the message board then detect if the driver has reduced his or her speed.”

Mr Lucas said the message board would warn individual motorists of the size of the fine and the number of demerit points they’d lose if caught by police.

“The trial will tell us if an immediate and prominent reminder about penalties makes speeding drivers slow down.

“Yet, unlike other systems in other states, speeding motorists won’t be told exactly how fast they are going.

"The experience elsewhere shows some drivers compete with their mates to see who can trigger the highest speed on the message board.

“Driving isn’t a game, I want motorists to slow down - not risk their lives and those of other road users.”

Mr Lucas said the Cunningham Highway trial would run three months and cost $300,000.

“At the end of the trial, the data will be independently analysed to judge its success in slowing drivers and to make a decision on whether to use the technology on other Queensland roads.

“If it’s proven to be a life saver then it’s a worthwhile addition to Queensland Highways,” he said.

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 0448 184566.