A Queensland man’s $804 fine for driving through floodwaters is being used as a warning to other road users not to do likewise during possible “widespread flooding” from an expected cyclone.
The 41-year-old motorist was caught by an officer driving through an inundated Winton Jundah Rd in Winton in the state’s central west on Sunday. He passed two road closure signs and a traffic barrier before coming across the flooded section of the road, according to police.
In footage taken by a police officer’s bodycam, the man can be heard saying he was, “just having a look”, when asked why he drove his Toyota Hilux through water.
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He was fined $619 for driving without due care and attention and $185 for disobeying a road sign. He was also handed six demerit points.
Police say the man’s actions are a timely reminder that Queenslanders should avoid driving through floodwaters as Cyclone Kirrily is predicted to impact the state from this week.
“You don’t know what kind of debris or objects could be lurking just under the surface,” Commissioner Katarina Carroll said. “There is also a very good chance that the road’s structure has been undermined. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of emergency services who come to rescue you.”