Police focus on unsafe drivers and vehicles in pre-Christmas operation

Queensland police are starting the first wave of Christmas holiday road safety operations by targeting unsafe driving and defective vehicles over the next three weeks.

Drivers can expect a closer police eye on their driving behaviour and also a roadside check on the condition of their vehicle ahead of the upcoming holiday period.

Police Minister Judy Spence said motorists commonly travelled long distances throughout Queensland and interstate during the school holidays and Christmas–New Year period.

“Police will be working with Queensland Transport vehicle inspectors as part of this statewide operation and will be checking vehicles to ensure they are safe and roadworthy.

“Police will also continue to focus on motorists who commit life–endangering traffic offences, and particular attention will be paid to dangerous driving and the common causes of road crashes – fatigue, speed, not wearing seatbelts and drink driving.

“It is a timely reminder for motorists not only of the need for them to drive responsibly but also to ensure their vehicle is in a good condition, especially before the Christmas holiday period begins,” Ms Spence said.

The road safety operation will target defective vehicles and vehicles with obscured or worn number plates.

Inspector Chris Thomas, Traffic Operations, State Traffic Support Branch said people often attempted to obscure their number plates in an endeavour to avoid being prosecuted for offences such as speeding and evading police.

“Attempting to obscure your number plates may seem like a clever way to avoid speed enforcement but Queensland police officers will be paying particular attention to ensure that number plates are clearly visible.

“Offenders use a range of strategies to obscure registration plates including installing tow balls and/or bicycle racks, or they use worn or damaged registration plates,” Inspector Thomas said.

The transport legislation states number plates must be able to be clearly read from 20 metres away at any point within an arc of 45 degrees from the surface of the plate, above or to either side of the vehicle.

“Not only is it an offence to drive a vehicle with obscured or worn plates, it also makes it difficult for police to identify stolen vehicles and hit and run drivers,” Inspector Thomas said.

“Although drivers are required by law to know the road rules, many don’t and others deliberately obscure their plates. When a vehicle has the number plate located in or below the rear bumper bar and a tow bar fitted the number plate will more than likely be obscured.

“Other offending vehicle types are utilities with tow bars and tray back commercial vehicles that have the number set too far under the tray. Bicycle racks can also obscure number plates.

“The vast majority of these problems can be rectified with a few minutes’ work. I would much rather drivers fixed these defects before we are forced to take action,” he said.

Worn and damaged plates can be replaced for around $22 and drivers with bicycle racks can obtain an accessory plate from Queensland Transport. The cost will vary depending on the types of plates fitted to the vehicle. A home made accessory plate will not suffice.

“Check you vehicle and get any defects fixed without delay. Claiming ignorance of the law will not wash when you get caught,” Inspector Thomas said.

Media contacts: Minister’s Office 3239 6218; Police Media 3015 2444