Drivers to benefit as Toowoomba webcams come online

Up-to-date traffic conditions are just a mouse click away for Toowoomba drivers, with the launch today of the Garden City's first traffic webcams.

Minister for Main Roads Warren Pitt flicked the switch to send the six cameras "live" and activate real-time images on www.mainroads.qld.gov.au.

Toowoomba joins Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Cairns in having a webcam presence, as Main Roads continues its progressive roll-out of the technology across the state.

"The Main Roads website now provides up-to-the-minute information of some of Toowoomba's traffic hot-spots – most notably the Toowoomba Range," Mr Pitt said.

"Drivers can now access five webcams to check out traffic conditions on the Range, before they leave home or the office.

"A sixth webcam provides images of James and Cohoe Streets and more cameras will be brought online in the near future.

"This technology will play an integral role in the operations of the Toowoomba Traffic Management Centre, allowing for a quick response to incidents and providing for improved traffic flow and efficiency."

The current cameras, installed at a cost of approximately $30,000, show traffic conditions at the following locations:

• Cohoe St and James St (South)
• Toowoomba Range - Bottom - looking up (West)
• Toowoomba Range - Bottom - toward Helidon (East)
• Toowoomba Range - Saddle - looking down (East)
• Toowoomba Range - Saddle - looking up (West)
• Toowoomba Range - Top – looking down (East) .

The statewide network of webcams – almost 50 around Queensland, with more to come – is part of a comprehensive revamp, designed to make the Main Roads website more user-friendly.

Mr Pitt last month launched the upgraded website, including a new online form that allows users to provide comment direct to Main Roads.

""The website upgrade is the result of a variety of feedback from the public, our industry partners and the media," Mr Pitt said.

"Main Roads is providing what people have asked for – an easy-to-operate site that provides ready access to useful, up-to-date information."

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819