BIG BROTHER FOR BYPASS

TEN Point-to-Point traffic cameras will be installed on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, slated to open at the end of the year.

Tenders are open for companies to supply the high-tech camera systems on both the east and west-bound lanes of the 42km dual-lane bypass.

The cameras will record number plate details of every vehicle travelling on the $1.6 billion road with the “expectation that all speeding vehicles will be detected”.

As well as monitoring and recording average speeds between each camera, Queensland Police has called for a variable speed limit system to be installed on the bypass as part of the build by Nexus.

The vendor must also be able to provide a Lane Use Management System along the 42km route.

While not expected to be part of the initial P2P roll-out, entry and exit photos of all vehicles using the bypass will be recorded.

“It is anticipated that traffic volumes may exceed 50,000 vehicles per day,” the tender document states.

“There is an expectation that all vehicles using the nominated sections of road will be monitored by the system and speeding vehicles will be detected.”

The P2P system, one of three being evaluated for major highways and motorways in Queensland, is part of the Camera Detected Offence Program managed jointly by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and QPS.

It is part of the national and Queensland Road Safety Action Plan which aims to reduce the number of traffic related deaths and serious injury incidents by at least 30 per cent by 2020.

“The underlying philosophy of the CDOP is general deterrence,” the tender document states.

“That is, to create a perception in the community that those motorists who commit prescribed offences will be detected.

“Detection is achieved through the use of fixed speed and red light cameras as well as mobile speed camera systems.”

RACQ head of technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said while speed cameras were unpopular with some drivers, they

were an important tool in helping keep road users safe.

“Speed is one of the Fatal Five for a reason – motorists need to take responsibility for their own behaviour and ensure they’re doing the right thing and sticking to the speed limit,” he said.

P2P cameras are already in use on the Bruce Hwy and Mount Lindesay Hwy.

Similar systems could soon be installed on the

Pacific Motorway between Beenleigh and Gaven, and on the Gateway Motorway between Nudgee and Deagon.

The bypass is slated for completion late this year and is expected to be a toll road which will include 20 emergency truck stopping bays incorporated into the design.

The toll figure is expected to be finalised later this year ahead of its opening.