Frequently asked questions

Common issues

Q: How do I use the QLDTraffic app on my iPad?
Answer: Although the QLDTraffic app is not universal at this time, you can download to an iPad with these simple instructions:
  1. Open Apple App Store and search QLDTraffic
  2. Tap the iPad only option at the top of the screen and select iPhone only instead
  3. Download the app as per normal.
Q: Why do some of the web cameras display "This image is currently unavailable"?
Answer: There are times when the web cameras may not be working.

Some of the reasons include:

  • A camera may be turned off to protect the privacy of road users after a crash or incident

  • The images may not be available due to technical problems. The problem may be the camera or the communication network

  • A camera may be having on-site repairs or routine maintenance

  • A camera may be taken off-line whilst roadworks are taking place along the road the camera is located on. Once roadworks are complete, the cameras are re-installed in either the same location or a new, more appropriate location.

Q: Why are the web camera images not of a better quality?
Answer: The Queensland Government Privacy Act does not allow for the privacy rights of any individual to be compromised. To ensure this, the image quality and resolution of the cameras have been deliberately set so that they cannot reveal detail that would allow any individual person or vehicle to be identified. For further information, please read the Information Privacy Act 2009.
Q: Why does some data appear to be out of date?
Answer: You may need to refresh your page by pressing F5

While Transport and Main Roads (TMR) aims to provide you with the latest traffic information, sometimes information may not update automatically. Often the reason for this is that you may be viewing a "cached" page.

A cached page is a web page that you have previously viewed that has been temporarily copied either by your computer or internet service provider's server (ISP's) to enable you to load the page quicker next time.

By clicking refresh on your web browser, you will be able to re-load the page and view any updated information. Alternatively, you can clear the cache by following your web browser's help instructions or referring to your ISP for help.

Q: Why am I having issues displaying the website?
Answer: The Map View page uses Google Maps which is compatible with the browsers listed below. If the Map View page is not working on your browser a message will be displayed instead of the map to indicate that this is the case. As an alternative to the Map View page, please use the List View page, which displays the events information in a textual form that is compatible with a wider range of browsers. Please note that Google Maps do not support the Compatibility View functionality available in Internet Explorer.

The browsers supported by Google Maps on desktop machines are:

  • The current version of Microsoft Edge (Windows)

  • Internet Explorer 10 and 11 (Windows)

  • The current and previous version of Firefox (Windows, macOS, Linux)

  • The current and previous version of Chrome (Windows, macOS, Linux)

  • The current and previous version of Safari (macOS)

The browsers supported by Google Maps on Android mobile devices are:

  • Current version of Chrome on Android 4.1+

  • Chrome WebView on Android 4.4+

The browsers supported by Google Maps on iOS mobile devices are:

  • Mobile Safari on the current and previous major version of iOS

  • UIWebView and WKWebView on the current and previous major version of iOS

  • Current version of Chrome for iOS

For pages other than the Map View, you may achieve better results using Internet Explorer by enabling the "Compatibility View" functionality. This option is on a per site basis and all other web sites may have been optimized for Internet Explorer 8+.

Q: Why am I receiving multiple tweets around a single unplanned event?
Answer: Every time the event information is updated, a new tweet is issued by the system.
Q: Why are roadworks or special events not being tweeted?
Answer: These events are not being tweeted, as both activities planned and often placed on the website well in advance of commencement (i.e. roadworks covering a long period of time, parades and sporting events that affect the road network).
Q: What is a Traffic Management Centre (TMC)?
Answer: A TMC is a purposely designed facility that monitors, collects, co-ordinates and distributes real-time traffic information to provide an efficient response to actual road conditions.

Traffic is monitored via cameras and field staff to provide relevant, real-time and accurate information about conditions on major roads in the region. Electronic message signs located along major roads are updated to provide motorists with information on traffic problems ahead. They also work closely with radio stations throughout Queensland to provide regular updates on traffic incidents.


Their aim is to:

  • Provide up to date information on traffic conditions (road and lane closures, traffic reports, maintenance and construction work)

  • Minimise congestion at incident sites by diverting traffic to alternative routes

  • Improve clearance times of incident sites

  • Maintain efficient road links to commercial, industrial, social, recreational, cultural and residential facilities.

Q: Which social media accounts are managed by the department?
Answer: A number of social media accounts offer traffic information Queensland. It is important to note that most of these accounts are not managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and, as such, we are not responsible for information that they provide.


The Department provides official traffic and travel information through the following dedicated Twitter accounts:

  • QLDTrafficCWNW
  • QLDTrafficDDSW
  • QLDTrafficFNNQ
  • QLDTrafficMetro
  • QLDTrafficMWFWB
  • QLDTrafficNC
  • QLDTrafficSC

Smart Motorways

Q: What is Smart Motorways?
Answer: Smart Motorways refers to the use of integrated intelligent transport system technologies to improve traffic flow, manage congestion, enhance safety and reduce emissions on south-east Queensland's motorways.
Q: What are intelligent transport systems?
Answer: These systems are made up of electronic devices that collect data and communicate with each other. They respond in real-time to improve motorway performance and safety by changing electronic speed signs, closing lanes and flashing alerts on electronic message signs.
Q: How do these systems work?
Answer: Devices that monitor changing traffic and weather conditions (including closed circuit television cameras (CCTV), weather monitors and vehicle detectors) constantly feed information into the system. Traffic Management Centre (TMC) officers monitor this and can quickly adjust speed limits, close lanes and broadcast warning messages to drivers using electronic message signs to reduce congestion and keep traffic flowing.
Q: What are the benefits of Smart Motorway systems?
Answer: The key benefits include:

  • Reduced congestion and less stop-start travel

  • Improved journey time predictability

  • Increased motorway capacity

  • Reduced incidents

  • Reduced emissions

  • Improved fuel efficiency for motorists

Q: What are the Smart Motorways technologies?
Answer: The Smart Motorways technologies include:

  • Variable speed limit signs which indicate changes in the motorway speed limit

  • Flexible lane control that indicates temporary lane closures or when to exit the motorway

  • Ramp signalling which controls the rate at which vehicles merge on motorways

  • Electronic message signs that provide warnings and information to drivers

  • Travel time signs that offer motorists real-time travel times to certain destinations

  • Roadside data systems which quickly detect and respond to motorway incidents, as well as build intelligence on the operation of the motorway network.

Q: Do drivers need to comply with the new signs and signals?
Answer: Yes. These signs are enforceable by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). To learn how drivers should respond to new signs and signals, go to Smart Technologies.

As well as responding correctly to signs and signals, motorists are still required to drive with due care and attention to prevailing conditions.

Q: What should drivers do when speed limits on a motorway have changed from the usual posted speed?
Answer: Drivers should smoothly adjust their vehicle speed to comply with the new speed limit and take note of the next electronic speed limit sign to check for any additional changes to driving conditions.
Q: Once a speed limit has changed, will the red circle around the new speed limit continue to flash?
Answer: Yes. The red circle around the new speed limit will flash until the speed is changed back to the motorway's default speed limit.
Q: Are ramp signal traffic lights active all the time?
Answer: No. These lights will only be activated when there is congestion or traffic flow issues, usually during peak hours. During this time there will be flashing warning signs to alert drivers as they approach the on-ramp.
Q: If traffic is being stopped on on-ramps, will queues to get onto the motorway be longer?
Answer: To prevent on-ramp queues from building up, a queue detector is embedded into the road surface. The traffic light cycle responds to this data by speeding up to clear cars off the on-ramp as appropriate.
Q: How often are travel times updated?
Answer: Destination times are automatically updated every minute.
Q: How reliable are travel times?
Answer: The aim is to provide accurate times to drivers. Real-time performance monitoring drives are conducted regularly to ensure driving times meet or exceed established standards.