Published Thursday, 09 October, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Spence announces more radars for police to target speedsters
Police Minister Judy Spence today announced funding for 234 new radars for Queensland police to target deadly speedsters.
Ms Spence said the Bligh Government is investing almost $1.4 million to purchase the hand-held radars, which will be available to police in all regions before the Christmas-New Year period.
“This is a strong investment in the safety of all road users,” Ms Spence said.
“Speeding is one of the biggest killers on our roads – it was a contributing factor in 97 road deaths (27%) last year.
“That is why we need to keep supporting our police in their efforts to curb the road toll.
“These 234 new devices will be used to upgrade 156 existing devices throughout the state, and the remaining 78 new devices will boost the police pool of LIDARs to 601 statewide – further enhancing the ability of police to catch speedsters, anytime, anywhere.
“All LIDAR radar devices are tested and calibrated annually through the QPS National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited Calibration Laboratory.
“The devices are also tested, to ensure they are accurate, against a surveyed range at each police facility prior to every operational deployment.
“By investing in these extra resources, we are enabling police to conduct more high visibility operations aimed at deterring drivers from speeding.
“The message to Queenslanders is simple – if you speed, police will be out in force to catch you.
Ms Spence said $314 million, or 20%, of the annual Queensland Police Budget is spent on traffic management in this state, and all first response police could participate in traffic management operations as part of their duties.
“Road safety is one of the Bligh Government’s key policing priorities and that is why we continue to fund practical tools and initiatives to make our roads safer,” Ms Spence said.
“Through responsible investments in a combination of high visibility policing options, fixed speed cameras, and Q-Cars, we will continue to do everything we can to get people to slow down on our roads.
“I urge Queenslanders to also take responsibility for their own actions and drive safely.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172
Ms Spence said the Bligh Government is investing almost $1.4 million to purchase the hand-held radars, which will be available to police in all regions before the Christmas-New Year period.
“This is a strong investment in the safety of all road users,” Ms Spence said.
“Speeding is one of the biggest killers on our roads – it was a contributing factor in 97 road deaths (27%) last year.
“That is why we need to keep supporting our police in their efforts to curb the road toll.
“These 234 new devices will be used to upgrade 156 existing devices throughout the state, and the remaining 78 new devices will boost the police pool of LIDARs to 601 statewide – further enhancing the ability of police to catch speedsters, anytime, anywhere.
“All LIDAR radar devices are tested and calibrated annually through the QPS National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited Calibration Laboratory.
“The devices are also tested, to ensure they are accurate, against a surveyed range at each police facility prior to every operational deployment.
“By investing in these extra resources, we are enabling police to conduct more high visibility operations aimed at deterring drivers from speeding.
“The message to Queenslanders is simple – if you speed, police will be out in force to catch you.
Ms Spence said $314 million, or 20%, of the annual Queensland Police Budget is spent on traffic management in this state, and all first response police could participate in traffic management operations as part of their duties.
“Road safety is one of the Bligh Government’s key policing priorities and that is why we continue to fund practical tools and initiatives to make our roads safer,” Ms Spence said.
“Through responsible investments in a combination of high visibility policing options, fixed speed cameras, and Q-Cars, we will continue to do everything we can to get people to slow down on our roads.
“I urge Queenslanders to also take responsibility for their own actions and drive safely.”
Media Contact: 3239 6172