Qld text and drive repeat offenders to cop double demerits

Queensland motorists caught texting behind the wheel more than once in 12 months will be hit with double demerit points while kids will be called on to act as cops in their parents' cars in a bid to slash the road toll.

The Palaszczuk Government yesterday announced its plan to make roads safer, with tougher penalties for mobile phone use among the suite of initiatives to come out of a forum held following the horror Easter toll.

The fine, however, will stay the same, with Mr Bailey saying the measure were "not about revenue".

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said drivers caught using their mobiles behind the wheel would be targeted and could potentially lose their licence if they reoffended. The fine, however, will stay the same, with Mr Bailey saying the measure were "not about revenue".

The decision to introduce double demerit points comes despite Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller ruling out such a move after the initial road safety forum was held in April. At the time Mrs Miller said there was a lack of evidence to support doubling demerit points. But yesterday she and Mr Bailey said they had come to the decision after holding further meetings.

Mrs Miller said she would also be launching a poster competition in schools in a bid to teach children the road rules so they could play cop in their parents' cars.

"We want to encourage children so that if they are driving in a car with their parents or another adult who they think is speeding, they are able to say -Have a look at your speedo'.'We particularly are concerned that, if parents are using mobiles or other gadgets, children can say to mum or dad, -Please put that mobile phone away'," Mrs Miller said.