The Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology has been implemented on a three-month trial basis since October 2018 to monitor the compliance of drivers on the restriction of heavy trucks on the Brisbane Urban Corridor without a local destination.
Heavy trucks weighing more than 4.5 tonnes are restricted from using the Brisbane Urban Corridor (BUC) as a shortcut between Rocklea and Wishart unless there is a legitimate purpose.
The BUC is an urban arterial road corridor that links the Gateway Motorway and the Ipswich Motorway via Mt Gravatt-Capalaba, Kessels, Riawena and Granard Roads.
The start of the trial of the ANPR camera technology, aimed at reducing the number of heavy vehicles on busy roads, was welcomed by Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan. The trial along the BUC will last until the end of the year.
“In the lead up to last year’s election I campaigned heavily on the issue and I have continued to lobby the Minister for measures to reduce the number of unnecessary heavy vehicles on our local roads,” Ms McMillan said.
“Many of the people I speak to in the community raise the issue of traffic along this busy road and I have firsthand experience of this as my office is located on Mt Gravatt Capalaba Road near Garden City Shopping Centre.
“Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology was being put in place to allow enforcement,” she said.
Brisbane Urban Corridor
Photo credit: Queensland Government/tmr.qld.gov.au
The new technology, Ms McMillan said, will use cameras that will monitor the travel time of these trucks along the BUC.
Traffic growth, especially with heavy vehicles, had contributed to local congestion in those neighbourhoods, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said.
The worsening traffic situation have resulted in travel delays, increase in safety concerns, and increased noise for the people working and living in the area. The restrictions will be enforced 24 hours a days, seven days a week to heavy vehicles using the route for through trips.
“Heavy vehicle operators should plan their route along the Logan Motorway and Gateway Motorway, which is the preferred route,” Mr Bailey said.
During the trial period, warning letters will be sent to the operator of the offending vehicle unless there is a legitimate purpose for the vehicle traveling along the UBC, such as a local delivery.
After the trial, infringement notices with fines will be issued to erring heavy vehicle operators who continue to violate the rules. Fines will amount to $652.75 for corporations and $130.55 for individuals and will accumulate three demerit points.