√Thousands of incorrect seatbelt penalties issued in Queensland due to faulty detection software

Queensland’s seatbelt detection cameras wrongly issued fines and infringement penalties to almost 1850 motorists across a 22-month period – with the state’s transport minister putting the blame for the embarrassing fault on a human-created software error.

A mistake in the software which runs Queensland’s seatbelt detection cameras has led to almost 1850 motorists being issued with double demerit penalties for not wearing seatbelts while driving – with more than 120 drivers currently waiting for suspensions on their licences to be lifted.

As reported by ABC News, the Queensland Government has admitted a software error in its mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras incorrectly issued double demerit points to 1842 motorists across an almost two-year span.

Mobile phone and seat belt detection cameras were switched on across Queensland from 31 July 2021, though a three-month grace period meant fines were not issued until November 1 of the same year.

ABC News reports Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads has confirmed the incorrect fines were issued from 1 November 2021 until 31 August 2023 – a period of 22 months.

MORE: Where should your seatbelt be worn?

According to the publication, 626 of the 1842 motorists who were incorrectly fined had their driver licences suspended – as the double demerit penalty notice meant their demerit point limit was exceeded.

Of the 626 motorists, 121 are still serving the suspension – not including the 43 interstate or overseas licence holders caught out by the fault.

An additional 262 motorists reportedly incorrectly served a good behaviour period, with “more than 600” still under probation.

In Queensland, the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is $1161 and four demerit points for drivers and passengers aged 16 years or older – which is multiplied by every occupant not wearing their seatbelt or approved child restraint.

Double demerits apply when motorists commit two or more seatbelt-related offences within a 12-month period, including if one of those was related to passenger not wearing their seatbelt.

Queensland’s Minister for Transport, Mark Bailey, apologised for the fault, claiming it was an “input” error in the detection camera program’s design – which has since been rectified – that resulted in the incorrect infringements.

“Simply put, this should never have happened. I am very sorry to every person who has been impacted by this,” Mr Bailey told ABC News.

“For the remaining licence holders who have retained their licence but incorrectly lost some points, TMR will reverse the incorrectly issued double demerit points,” Mr Bailey said.

“For those 121 people who currently have a licence that has been incorrectly suspended, Transport and Main Roads is requesting urgent legal advice on the swift re-issuance of incorrectly suspended licences.”

“This is our mistake, and we will do everything we can to work with impacted people. This shouldn’t have happened. I’m very angry about it, and we are acting swiftly to contact those impacted.”

The Queensland Government began notifying motorists who have been impacted by the incorrect seatbelt infringements on Friday 8 September, with Mr Bailey saying his department will prioritise those who have had their licence suspended.

A 24/7 hotline for motorists affected by the fault will also be set up and available to access on the Queensland Transport website in the near future.

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