January 7, 2015
Queensland drivers who are involved in minor car crashes can now report the incident via a smartphone app or online instead of waiting for police to attend.
Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said the new system would allow motorists to continue their journeys without waiting for police.
“In 2010, a Queensland Police Service report estimated about 73,000 officer hours were dedicated each year to responding to non-injury crashes,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Keating said.
“By making amendments to our policy we will be able to reduce these hours allowing officers to respond to more urgent matters.”
However police will still be required to attend traffic crashes that involve:
- Death or injury (any injury requiring medical treatment by a qualified paramedic, nurse or doctor);
- Suspected involvement of drugs or alcohol;
- Driver has failed, or is refusing, to provide required details;
- A hazardous environment or threat to public safety exists, including congestion;
- Impairment/disability (a driver with an impairment or disability requires police assistance); or
- Other situations where discretion would determine it was in the public interest to attend and/or investigate.
The Policelink Smart phone app can be downloaded from the App store by searching “Policelink”.
Non-injury crashes can also be reported online or by calling Policelink on 13-14-44.
