Q Police To Clamp Down On Flashing LIghts To Warn Of Speed Cameras!!!!

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MOST Queensland drivers are willing to flout the law by flashing their headlights to warn other drivers of hidden speed cameras and radars, research confirms.

Although the offence of flashing high beam carries a $30 fine and loss of one demerit point – or a $1500 fine if the matter is lost in court – 54 per cent of motorists said they had done it in the past and would do it again to prevent a fellow driver from getting a speeding ticket, a study by insurance company AAMI has found.

And the number of "flashers" is growing.



A similar survey in 2006, found only 39 per cent of Queensland drivers flashed warnings.

The latest research, conducted as part of the 2008 AAMI Crash Index and Young Driver Index studies, identified north Queensland drivers as the worst offenders.

Sixty-two percent admitted to regularly flashing their headlights as a warning.

They were followed by drivers from central Queensland (61 per cent), Sunshine Coast (59 per cent), Gold Coast (56 per cent) and Toowoomba/Darling Downs (54 per cent).

Only 48 per cent of Brisbane motorists admitted to headlight flashing. Three per cent of Queensland motorists also admitted they used radar detectors, which are illegal in all states except Western Australia.

Queensland road rules prohibit use of a vehicle's high beam within 200m of other vehicles.

Police Minister Judy Spence said people who flashed their lights to warn of speed cameras were condoning speeding by trying to prevent offending drivers being caught.

She said police could fine motorists for incorrect use of a vehicle's headlights or prosecute for hindering police.

"Many people are surprised when they are pulled over that they are committing an offence. It is no excuse and won't be accepted as one by police," she said.

The Queensland Police Service's 2006-07 statistical review showed 220,048 notices for speed camera-detected offences were issued, compared with 203,202 the previous year.
My comment :
IF the Police used the cameras as they were intended and not revenue raising, motorists wouldn't flash their lights. And too those who say " if you don't speed you won't get caught." Thats not the point, ITS how they are used that causes angst. Use them as they were intended and motorists wouldn't get pxxxxedoff about the cameras.