A NEW fixed speed camera will be switched on at the M1 on Thursday to catch motorists going over the limit at Gaven, on the Gold Coast.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey announced details of the new camera at Wednesday’s launch of the Easter road safety campaign which will take a “zero tolerance” attitude to road rogues.

Mr Dempsey said the camera would operate in all lanes heading north along the M1, including the Smith Street on ramp merging lane.

“Over time, speed limit compliance at Queensland’s fixed speed camera locations has improved, therefore reducing speed-related crash risks,” he said.

The new camera will take to 14 the number of fixed cameras now enforcing the speed limit on southeast Queensland roads.

Its location means motorists could potentially be snapped twice within 37km, with another camera operational at Logan.

With Queensland’s road toll already at 70 lives lost this year, Mr Dempsey said he was challenging all drivers to make the Easter break fatality free.

The road toll represents 15 more deaths in road crashes, compared with the same time last year.

Police commissioner Ian Stewart also called for the support of motorists to exercise safe road behaviours over Easter, and to always remember the “Fatal Five of speeding, drink or drug driving, fatigue, seat belts, and distraction or inattention”.

“Traditionally road users are at a higher risk over Easter due to the volume of traffic on the roads. The highest risk is when people are leaving for holiday destinations and returning home,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“What should be a happy and relaxing time of year can quickly become a nightmare for families and loved ones affected by road trauma.”

Police will have an increased presence on the roads over Easter using “overt and covert methods to reduce the number of serious crashes, injuries and fatalities”, Commissioner Stewart said.