Member - Franga (QLD) posted:

G'day Kev, Where did you end staying and did you get much of a chance to have a butchers at the area.
I suppose the main item is was it worth while.

Regards

Franga

QLD Kev & Darkie posted:

Franga,

I stayed at the Why Not Motel in south Gladstone on the Sunday Night and free camped on Monday night (well a few hours anyway).

I had a good look around Gladstone, Calliope, Boyne Island and Tannum sands. I did around 250kms on Monday before the Job Interview and that included having 2 houses to inspect as possible one to buy.
The interview went for about 30 mins so it felt like a long way to go just for 30 mins LOL

I have been offered the job as well as one in Roma so I am now waiting for both to give me the formal offers including salary and will make a decision from there as to which to take. I am keen for the Calliope job as there is some great fishing in the area and plenty of work.

Cheers Kev

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

You got the point Jimbo. I am more than happy to see plenty of mobile patrol cars "Patrolling" the highway.
The name Highway Patrol doesn't seem appropriate anymore.

DIO posted:

Here, here. A sensible, constructive and realistic response/attitude. As for the absence of visible Patrols. Who really knows. Most Forces are dramatically understaffed and resourced. Frequently members on leave are not replaced and Traffic Patrols are often called upon to fulfill functions of even more stretched General Patrols. Not much different to Hospitals (shortages of Doctors and Nurses), Schools - lack of Teachers and resources, Building/Construction Industry - shortage of Tradies etc, etc. A 'sign' of out times !!!

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

John if you are waiting for speed camera revenue to reduce your taxes, or improve your public services, let me tell you it aint gonna happen. I spent 11 years in a suit of blue, and I have some idea of what I'm talking about.
I don't have a problem with speed cameras at all. By all means let them relieve the speed freaks of their obviously "not so hard earned " cash, but they only deal with one offence and I have yet to see a speed camera deal with the many other dangerous offences that can only be detected by a mobile patrol. Unmarked cars work a treat if used consistently, and the visual presence of marked cars can never be underestimated. A dangerous serial pest can be taken off the road immediately by them, and not receive a notice in the mail weeks later. In a perfect world, all road users would feel safer knowing everyone else is going to do the right thing everytime we go out on the road.
The one great pity is, there will always be the habitual pest on the road, simply because no amount of law enforcement will educate an idiot.
Safe travels always...Cheers from Fred.

johnnic posted:

Fred, fair points. I'm in favour of anything that reduces the number of idiots on the road (including the encouragement of self nominations for the Darwin award)!!

If that is best done by a police presence, then I'm for it. Certainly, I have always liked the unmarked car concept as I think that is significantly more effective than the marked police car sitting and waiting with their speed camera poised.

I think it comes down to the principles embodied in effective crime and punishment. If, as for example in 18th century England, the likelihood of getting caught is small, then crime will continue to flourish regardless of the severity of the punishment, eg transportation for life for a relatively minor offence but with only a very small chance of being caught.

If, however, the likelihood of getting caught is very high, then the incidence of crime will fall significantly even when the punishment is not quite so onerous. In that vein, I support the use of technology that will increase the chances of catching the speeding motorist, whatever that might be.

It's an interesting discussion.

John

Member - Davoe (Yalgoo) posted:

Yep get pulled over for speeding and the first thing that happens is the bag comes out. You get asked if its your car. possibly an outstanding warrents check. Quick shine of the torch round the car.Depending on the car/person maybe a close inspection for defects and maybe a look in the boot.
would like to know haw many stolen cars, drug deals, outstanding warents, stolen goods etc etc come from a simple speeding stop or in WA just a random liscense check.

Phillipn posted:

A few weeks ago while driving from Toowoomba to Brisbane their was a speed camera set up on the west bound lanes on the Gatton bypass , a long way off the road behind a hill. It was impossible to see when driving west.

On the way back I knew where the Toyota was parked , had I not seen it their on the way to Brisbane I would not have seen it on the return trip.

I do not have a problem with police doing their job, but this incident was just a revenue raising exercise.

Any one who may have been speeding could have killed some one before they got their ticket in the mail.

Member - John G posted:

G'day John,

On balance I agree with you. My interest lies in the question of double demerit points on holiday periods. If they are really effective, and I've never seen any evidence to that effect, then why not introduce them as the standard?

Cheers
John G

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

G'day Andrew, I did my 11 years, too old now.

Andrew(WA) posted:

I wish I had only done 11...one powerball....

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

I know what you mean...son-in-law has 18 up and nothing has changed (not for the better anyway). Safe travels mate.

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

From what you say,they must have all slept in late, or too wet, the morning I went through, because plenty of ratbags evident on the run into town from Seymour from 5am onwards that morning, in drizzling rain no less. Or were the driving offences that concerned me not worthy of attention.(Tongue in cheek mate). Let's get real here. I assume the speed cameras were awake though, and yes, if you get detected by one of them, (I hate speedsters by the way, because I am always the one getting overtaken whilst doing the speed limit and apparently holding up traffic, with or without the van) you deserve more than the statutory postal fine, which takes this whole issue right back to my original concerns.
Interesting Topic Aye???????
Which one of us travellers does not want any road safe from RATBAGS.
Next time you get really offended by an offending motorist, forget the road rage bit, note the number, make, colour, direction of travel, and drivers description as much as possible, and use your bloody mobile to alert the authorities. They rely on information from the travelling motorist just as much as we rely on them. As we have seen from some of the responses here, their numbers are in short supply, and they cannot be everywhere.
Time to get serious with Serial Pests on our Roads.
In case you had not noticed, I am an old ex-cop, with road safety very close to my heart. I have had to talk to too many mums and dads and wives and husbands and kids late at night about their loved ones not coming home.

Blaze posted:

Not sure about that Uncle Des,

I seen one of these esteemed officers the other day sitting snoozing near a roadwork’s area, wasn't sure who it was I believe he was in disguise.... LOL

Member - Fred G (NSW) posted:

I travelled Echuca to Mildura in Sept this year, via Swan Hill, (lovely place) What you saw was was that one in a million wish come true when we see such a ratbag, and we all have the same wish. From an old former Cop, let me tell you, that if you believe their is a highway patrol car hiding behind every tree waiting and watching to catch a ratbag, then you would be better off believing in Santa Claus, (sorry santa) I really have been a good boy, the tooth fairy, easter bunny, etc. But then again, if that is what you believe, the desired effect is in place, isn't it.
Many safe travels travels sparkythespacechimp.