REGIONAL highways will be among the locations roadside mobile phone cameras will keep watch of motorists, with drivers caught flouting laws to be slapped with a $1033 fine.
It comes as state government data reveals 135 people have died on Queensland roads during the first half of this year, representing a 16 per cent rise in fatalities on the same point in 2020.
The mobile phone cameras, which will also detect drivers not wearing seatbelts, will be rolled out permanently across the state from Monday, July 26.
Redlands, Logan and Beaudesert motorists will be on high alert, with regional highways - which includes the Mount Lindesay - among the locations mobile cameras could pop up.
Last year's trial run between July and December produced alarming results, with more than 15,000 people caught using their phone illegally and about 2200 people not wearing a seatbelt.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said some of the cameras would be mobile and warned drivers to expect them to pop up anywhere and at anytime.
"Our message has always been direct and very simple, just put your phone away," he said.
"Using a mobile phone while driving has the same impact as getting behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading between 0.07 and 0.10.
"We successfully trialed these cameras last year and have been talking about them coming to Queensland roads for two years."
There will be a three month grace period for drivers as the cameras are rolled out across the state.
Those caught handling their phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt between July 26 and October 31 would be notified but not fined.
A $1033 ticket and four demerit points will apply from November 1.
RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said she hoped the new technology would help save lives.
"We know on average around 29 people are killed and more than a thousand others are seriously injured every year on Queensland roads as a result of crashes where driver distraction played a part," she said.
"More detailed rules around mobile phone use by drivers, along with greater enforcement of the road rules through these cameras, will help to reduce driver distraction and improve road safety in Queensland."
The state government will also clamp down on drink driving, with reforms starting in September to see offenders forced into an intervention course before getting their licence back.
"Repeat offenders will also be subject to a mandatory, multi-session education program, and changes to the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program will see it expanded to include mid-range drink drivers," Mr Bailey said.
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