The Queensland Government has implemented a new technology that uses radar to detect vehicles about to run a red light.
Known as Hold the Red, the technology is part of a trial to reduce the risk of crashes caused by running red lights.
When a danger is identified, the opposing traffic lights are held on red to halt drivers waiting for the lights to turn green.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the innovation was already in use in Florida where it has been credited with cutting collisions at intersections.
“Red light running is a complex problem. There is no single reason why drivers do it but what we do know is that resulting accidents are likely to be T-bone crashes, which have a higher potential of causing death or serious injury,” Mr Bailey said.
“Hold the Red lowers the risk of a crash at sites where it is installed while still allowing for offenders to be penalised.
“This will keep other drivers safe, while still acting as a deterrence to offenders,” he said.
Mr Bailey said about 11 per cent of all serious casualties on Queensland roads occurred at intersections with traffic lights.
“During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3,000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland,” he said.
“I am excited to announce Queensland is leading the way in Australia by being the first to trial Hold the Red.”
The trial will be evaluated by independent consultants and aims to reduce the emotional and financial burden that road trauma places on the community.
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