By ALENA HIGGINS
A FRUSTRATED Warwick local has slammed the state’s transport authority after she was caught driving 60km/h in an unmarked 50km/h zone.
Ms Cohen said she was unaware the default urban speed limit in Queensland was 50km/h unless otherwise signed, and called for a renewed education campaign.
“Something is seriously wrong if the majority of people in a town believe one thing and the so-called law says something else,” she said.
“I was absolutely spitting chips when I received my ($151) fine and I want to save people and families from getting fined unnecessarily,” she said of her reason for speaking out.
A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman said the department undertook “several campaigns” to create public awareness about the urban speed limit, which was implemented in South-East Queensland in March 1999 and in regional Queensland in February 2003.
These included two television commercials, radio commercials, outside and transport advertising, as well as a mail drop to all households.
Despite this, Ms Cohen contends she, and many of her associates, were still in the dark about the rule more than 10 years after it was introduced.
“Police don’t allow ignorance as a defence, but if you don’t know what are you supposed to do?,” an incredulous Ms Cohen said.
Ms Cohen said Grafton Street, where she was nabbed, was a main thoroughfare and needed to be urgently reviewed.
Southern Downs Regional Council director of engineering services Peter See confirmed council was proposing to undertake an assessment of speed limits generally in urban areas, which will take several months to complete.
Warwick police acting officer in charge Lisa Self said it was prudent long-standing licence holders brushed up on their road rules.
But Ms Cohen said it was unacceptable for the department to place the onus on drivers, especially older motorists, to find out if road rules have changed.
Local streets with the 50km/h speed limit are defined as primarily providing direct property access and/or limited neighbourhood movement, the Main Roads spokeswoman said.
Road rule refreshers can be found at tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/queensland-road-rules.aspx
