Newly installed cameras on the only set of traffic lights in Mareeba are to record traffic flow and do not have infrared capability according to the Transport and Main Roads department.

A spokesman confirmed data from the cameras can be called upon by police during an investigation.

In response to complaints of congestion during peak hours, a spokesman for TMR said the lights were completed in May at a cost of $3.47 million, “which significantly improved safety for vulnerable road users in the town centre.

“Recently, following the traffic lights installation, there was congestion related to Mareeba Shire Council road works at the John Doyle Bridge on Anzac Avenue.

“Apart from this time, we have not measured significant traffic congestion in the area.

“We will continue to monitor the intersection and adjust the signal timings to ensure traffic is flowing.”

The spokesman said cameras were used to evaluate traffic flow across the state-controlled road network, which is why they were installed.

He said the cameras do not have an infrared mode.

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter said he had been knocking on doors to source funds for construction of the long-gazetted heavy vehicle bypass starting at the Kennedy Highway T junction with Byrnes St and exiting at Adil Road on the north side.

“I will continue to seek funds from wherever I can for this important bypass road although a new road will need two bridges, one over Atherton Creek and another over Granite Creek which makes it expensive,” Mr Katter said.

Katters Australian Party candidate for Cook, Tanika Parker said if elected she would make every effort to get bypass funding which would make Byrnes Street safer for local vehicles accessing businesses.

“I have seen how busy Byrnes Street is with large trucks and a lot of cars and the bypass is urgently needed,” Ms Parker said.

The transport industry will be disappointed the Minister has made no provision for state funding of the Dimbulah Road to Mulligan Highway bypass which would allow road trains to bypass the Dimbulah Road intersection near Granite Creek bridge and direct access to the Mareeba Industrial Estate.

“In December 2018, we completed planning to identify the preferred alignment for the northern section of the proposed Mareeba Bypass, between the Mulligan Highway and Mareeba-Dimbulah Road,” the spokesman said.

“There is currently no funding allocated to build the bypass.”