Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services the Honourable Mark Ryan MP, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, and Aspley MP Bart Mellish joined Commissioner Ian Stewart and other emergency services today to mark the start of the Queensland Police Service’s Easter Road Safety campaign.

Between April 5 and April 26, the QPS will coordinate a state-wide traffic policing operation designed to reduce the number of serious injuries, fatal traffic crashes and road related crime.

This operation coincides with the Easter school holidays and a period in which there is an increase in vehicles using Queensland roads.

The Easter Road Safety Campaign will include strategies such as a highly visible police presence on highways and roads, targeted operations at locations where an increase in road users is likely and static and mobile random driver testing regarding alcohol and/or drugs with a focus on locations more likely to be carrying high volumes of road users.

The Easter Road Safety campaign will target the Fatal Five – speeding, drink/drug, fatigue, seat belt use and driver distraction/inattention.

Minister Ryan said the Queensland Government and QPS were committed to reducing the road toll.

“Each Easter period the government stands alongside the QPS to urge all Queenslanders to drive safely.

“We do this because we want there to be zero fatalities,” Minister Ryan said.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said history showed Easter could be a dangerous time on Queensland roads.

“One death on our roads is too many, and there is more we can all do to get the road toll town to zero,” Mr Bailey said.

“Speeding, distraction, alcohol and drugs, fatigue and not wearing a seatbelt continue to be the major causes of death on our roads.

“As we look forward to Easter, I urge every Queenslander to stay safe.

“By obeying the road rules when you’re driving, walking or riding – you’re helping make our roads a safer place for everyone.”

The Member for Aspley urged all road users to be extra careful on the roads this year.

“I want everyone to have a great holiday with their families but I also want everyone to make sure this holiday period is a safe one for all Queenslanders,” Mr Mellish said.

Commissioner Ian Stewart said research had shown that a high police presence on major road networks during peak holiday periods provided community reassurance and also served as a deterrent to those engaging in high-risk behaviour.

“Officers will be out in force conducting roadside testing for drugs and alcohol, as well as covert and overt speed enforcement in high-risk zones,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“Between April 5 and April 26, anyone travelling on the state’s highways can expect to encounter police.”