Queensland Cops Embracing Covert Cameras Over Easter

QUEENSLAND POLICE ARE set to roll out a fleet of unmarked mobile speed camera vehicles this week ahead of the Easter break, including four cars and two motorcycles.

Common in other Australian states, the covert mobile speed cameras are 'a first' for Queensland. Where previous unmarked camera operations have seen motorists alerted by signage, this new campaign will offer no warning of the camera vehicle's presence.

In future, up to 30 percent of mobile speed camera enforcement in Queensland is expected to be undertaken covertly, with no advance warning or signage.

Queensland Police Minister Neil Roberts said today that rather than using any of the 'usual' car models, the covert camera vehicles rolling out this week could be of any make or model. No details of the covert vehicles will be revealed to the public. 

Mr Roberts said that experience in other regions has shown that the chance of being unwittingly caught speeding is a "powerful motivator" in changing driving habits.

"With covert speed cameras now on the roads, motorists will need to consider whether a vehicle parked on the side of the road is fitted with a speed camera," Mr Roberts told The Courier Mail.

The news follows an announcement in Queensland last week that drink-driving offenders will have mandatory interlock systems installed in their vehicles. Queensland is also considering lowering the legal alcohol limit for motorists to .02.