July 31, 2016
South Burnett motorists driving around unlicensed or unregistered now face an even greater chance of being caught by police, thanks to a new Road Policing Command unit currently patrolling local roads.
The Commodore is fitted with infra red digital cameras on both sides of its roof which are constantly scanning number plates of passing vehicles.
Senior Constable Jade Miller, from Kingaroy Road Policing Unit, said the cameras snapped a photograph of each number plate as it was scanned
Importantly, the police car doesn’t have to be stationary for the unit to record number plates.
Snr Const Miller said the unit records the number plates of both oncoming traffic and parked vehicles.
Driving past a long line of traffic, the unit can check each number plate in seconds … something no police officer could possibly do.
At the same time as the image is being snapped, the ANPR unit checks the number plate information it has gathered against multiple police databases, including stolen vehicles and current registrations. Driver information recorded against each vehicle is also automatically checked for wanted persons and whether that person has a current licence.
All these checks are done without the police officer having to lift a finger or make a radio call.
When the ANPR unit detects a positive hit on a database, the unit beeps to alert the officer to download further information.
Snr Const Miller said the databases were updated daily and were stored locally inside the unit, which means the checks continue even in areas where there is no mobile phone or data coverage.
PS. The Road Policing Command unit is also fitted with all the usual police anti-speeding gear, such as radar, as well as an “anti-radar” detector.
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Did you know that you can sign up for an email reminder about upcoming registration payments and transport matters?
More than 2300 Queenslanders have already signed up for free e-notices and e-reminders in the first month since the service was introduced in June, allowing customers to receive Transport and Main Roads correspondence by email.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new service offered greater choice and flexibility to customers in deciding how they want to receive information and correspondence from TMR.
“Customers can now choose to receive e-notices, so their Vehicle Registration Notice (VRN) will be emailed instead of sent by post,” Mr Bailey said.
“People who use this feature will get instant access to their VRN once issued, which means a longer notice period.
“This reduces the risk of missing payment due date if mail is lost or misplaced.”
Customers can also receive registration certificates by email, making it easier to manage and store the information.
Mr Bailey said the free e-reminder service could also send automated reminders about upcoming driver licence renewals, vehicle inspection bookings, driving test appointments, infringement notice payments and expiring Certificates of Inspection.
“Customers who are eligible for Hazard Perception Tests will also be emailed a reminder, as well as those who have been issued with an Accumulation of Demerit Points Notice,” he said.
“It takes the pressure off people trying to keep track of their upcoming due payments and appointments, by offering a free, convenient and secure reminder service.”
Mr Bailey said a new online registration transfer rollout was also set to begin progressively across Queensland from August 1.
“This new tool will help those who have trouble finding the time to visit the service to complete the proper paperwork when selling a car, boat or trailer privately,” he said.
“By visiting a participating Approved Inspection Station, customers will soon be able to receive an electronic safety certificate which will be automatically lodged with TMR and allow them to transfer registration of a vehicle online.
“The registration transfer online service will also enable customers to quickly and easily transfer registration for vessels, which do not require an electronic safety certificate.
- External link: TMR website
