There are two types of mobile speed cameras used in Queensland. There is a mobile speed camera vehicle that is fitted with speed camera equipment which can park on the side of the road to monitor the speed of passing traffic, and there is a portable speed camera that can be used as either a hand held device or set up on a tripod on the side of the road. Mobile speed cameras operate day and night at approved speed camera sites.
Where are mobile speed cameras located?
There are approximately 4000 mobile speed camera sites located throughout Queensland. Mobile speed cameras are deployed at sites that have been approved according to strict selection criteria. These locations are not publicised as the mobile speed camera program is fundamentally based on the principle of general deterrence. That is motorists should expect to see a speed camera "anywhere, anytime".
Queensland operates both covert and overt speed camera operations.
The use of covert speed camera enforcement reinforces the "anywhere, anytime" approach to speed management employed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Queensland Police. Covert speed camera enforcement includes the use of vehicles of a variety of makes and models with no police markings or advisory signs.
Overt speed camera operations use marked police vehicles and have signs placed after the vehicle advising motorists they have passed a speed camera. The signs are used to remind motorists that speed detection can occur "anywhere, anytime".
How are mobile speed camera sites selected?
The Queensland mobile speed camera program is based on the deployment of cameras at locations that meet strict criteria, with crash history being the primary criterion used to identify sites. Other reasons for the establishment of a mobile speed camera site may include verified high risk speeding behaviour or roadwork sites where the workplace health and safety of workers is at risk.
Sites are subject to approval by a local Speed Management Committee which generally comprises of representatives of the Queensland Police Service, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, RACQ and Local Governments.
How do they work?
Mobile speed cameras work by emitting a super high frequency (radar) beam across the road. Any vehicle passing through the beam at a speed which exceeds the pre-set limit is automatically photographed. Speed cameras can measure the speed of vehicles travelling in either direction.
