Reporting traffic incidents and how we respond

Reporting traffic incidents

You can report incidents anywhere across Queensland using our single hotline 13 19 40.

How we monitor and manage traffic

We monitor traffic using a large network of cameras and field detectors. We also have mobile staff on the roads.

You can call us to:

  • report an incident
  • seek assistance
  • find out travel information.

A highly trained specialist will answer your call from the nearest of our 6 traffic management centres across Queensland.

Our traffic management centres operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to:

  • monitor and coordinate our response to traffic and road incidents
  • operate the Smart Motorways, which improve traffic flow and congestion, enhance safety and respond to incidents. We're able to change electronic speed signs, close lanes and put flashing alerts on electronic message signs. Read more about Smart Motorways Technologies
  • provide QLDTraffic alerts and road closures for major roads in Queensland.

How we respond to traffic and road incidents

Emergency response

Emergency response crews are on stand-by, 24 hours a day. Our   crews provide response activities, including clean up and recovery services for incident sites, as well as extensive traffic control and diversions across the road network.

Our crews are fully equipped response vehicles and bump trucks that display flashing amber lights and variable message signs to alert road users to incidents ahead.

Truck with bright variable message signage and safety barriers with bright diagonal lines in black and vivid yellow

Bump trucks are designed to respond safely to incidents and emergencies.

Traffic response

Traffic Response Units are roaming 'on road' services that provide first response and support to clear road incidents safely and quickly across South East Queensland, focusing mainly on motorways.

Traffic Response Units provide:

  • welfare checks
  • incident response services
  • some hazard removal.

You can recognise these vehicles by their:

  • highly visible blue and yellow markings
  • flashing amber lights
  • roof-mounted variable message boards that alert road users of incidents ahead.

Traffic response unit truck with TRU signage and highly visible, bright yellow and blue block patterns. A second smaller vehicle with similar signage and red flashing lights

Traffic Response Unit vehicles

Traffic Response Units work closely with Queensland Police Service and other emergency services at incident scenes to keep the area safe and traffic moving.

Watch for lights flashing on our parked emergency response vehicles

Keep workers responding to roadside emergencies safe—the law requires you to move your vehicle over and slow down when passing an emergency response vehicle that is stopped with its lights flashing. The lights may be blue, red, magenta or yellow. Learn more about parked emergency response vehicles with flashing lights.