UNMARKED Q-CARS TO TARGET DANGEROUS DRIVERS: SPENCE
Published Wednesday, 14 November, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence has today announced that police will be going undercover on our roads from December 1, targeting drivers who put the lives of others at risk over the Christmas and New Year period.
Ms Spence said two non-standard, unmarked police vehicles, knows as ‘Q-Cars’, will be patrolling roads in the South-east Corner, in an attempt to curb the shocking road toll in the North Coast, Southern and South-Eastern regions.
“Queensland Police officers and other emergency service workers are the ones who have to deal with the tragedy of fatal crash scenes – the confronting images of crumpled vehicles and those inside, and the emotional turmoil of the families and friends left behind,” Ms Spence said.
“So it should come as no surprise, they continue to look for and embrace innovative and effective new methods to make our roads safer, and rid them of reckless and dangerous drivers.
“The introduction of these new Q-Cars in the state’s south-east, will give police an additional tool for targeting those hoons and reckless drivers who play Russian roulette with the lives of others on our roads.
“While serial hoons and dangerous drivers will be looking for the standard Fords and Holdens on our roads, officers in other non-conventional police vehicles will now be out in force – ready to catch those reckless drivers when they least expect it.”
Ms Spence said Q-cars will be trialled over the Christmas and New Year period and if successful, may be introduced around the State next year.
“These Q-Cars will be used for conducting a broad range of traffic duties including general patrolling, RBT’s, hoon and special operations,” Ms Spence said.
“We also have 20 high visibility police cars, or “red barons” as they are affectionately known, patrolling our roads and freeways.
“We also have over 256 standards white police vehicles, which have now been fitted with the high visibility decals – drawing the public’s attention.
“The enhanced unmarked vehicle strategy is being put in place to ensure those drivers who take no notice of the large number of high visibility police on our roads, won’t have anywhere to hide.
“The message to drivers is clear – if you break the law and behave recklessly on our roads, the police will be out to catch you.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287
Ms Spence said two non-standard, unmarked police vehicles, knows as ‘Q-Cars’, will be patrolling roads in the South-east Corner, in an attempt to curb the shocking road toll in the North Coast, Southern and South-Eastern regions.
“Queensland Police officers and other emergency service workers are the ones who have to deal with the tragedy of fatal crash scenes – the confronting images of crumpled vehicles and those inside, and the emotional turmoil of the families and friends left behind,” Ms Spence said.
“So it should come as no surprise, they continue to look for and embrace innovative and effective new methods to make our roads safer, and rid them of reckless and dangerous drivers.
“The introduction of these new Q-Cars in the state’s south-east, will give police an additional tool for targeting those hoons and reckless drivers who play Russian roulette with the lives of others on our roads.
“While serial hoons and dangerous drivers will be looking for the standard Fords and Holdens on our roads, officers in other non-conventional police vehicles will now be out in force – ready to catch those reckless drivers when they least expect it.”
Ms Spence said Q-cars will be trialled over the Christmas and New Year period and if successful, may be introduced around the State next year.
“These Q-Cars will be used for conducting a broad range of traffic duties including general patrolling, RBT’s, hoon and special operations,” Ms Spence said.
“We also have 20 high visibility police cars, or “red barons” as they are affectionately known, patrolling our roads and freeways.
“We also have over 256 standards white police vehicles, which have now been fitted with the high visibility decals – drawing the public’s attention.
“The enhanced unmarked vehicle strategy is being put in place to ensure those drivers who take no notice of the large number of high visibility police on our roads, won’t have anywhere to hide.
“The message to drivers is clear – if you break the law and behave recklessly on our roads, the police will be out to catch you.”
Media Contact: Nicola Hazell 0439 673 287