A Transport and Main Roads spokeswoman would not be drawn on whether the new tech could involve taking over a car’s radio to broadcast a message or flashing roadside signs.
“The tender or offer document is intentionally broad,” she said.
“We will also give consideration to maintaining privacy and ensuring messages delivered do not contribute to further distraction.
“This is why we will initially engage a successful supplier, or suppliers, to conduct a limited proof of concept to determine if the technology is fit for purpose and viable for future use.”
The warning system comes after a trial of secret cameras that use artificial intelligence to detect if someone is using their mobile phone illegally or not wearing a seatbelt, and take a photo.
Since July 27, the trial picked up more than 15,000 drivers using their phones illegally and more than 2200 drivers and front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts.
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The secret cameras will be rolled out from mid-2021, with people who are caught sent a “courtesy letter” for the first three months before fines are handed out by late 2021.
Unlike speed cameras, the phone cameras are not sign-posted and their locations will be kept secret.
The tender reveals the government hopes to roll out at least five portable cameras and cover 12 lanes of traffic with fixed cameras in the first year of its roll-out.
The fixed cameras will predominantly be installed in south-east Queensland, including on motorways.
People caught using their mobile phone while driving will be fined $1000 and lose four demerit points.
The move comes after a spike in Queensland’s road toll, with 57 more people dying in 2020 compared with in 2019.
In 2019, 21 people lost their lives on Queensland roads as a result of driver distraction or inattention, including from mobile phones, and almost 1500 others were hospitalised with serious injuries.
Felicity Caldwell is state political correspondent at the Brisbane Times
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