NZTA staff to nab speeders

The NZTA is rolling out its first mobile safety camera next week as the next step in shifting these operations from the police to the transport agency. 

As part of the change, for the first time in New Zealand speeding vehicles will be detected by cameras operating in cars alongside vans the police have traditionally used. Later this year, the NZTA will add trailers to the fleet of safety-camera vehicles.

A camera-equipped SUV will be parking on roadsides across Auckland from May 13 to detect speeding motorists. 

In coming months, it will be joined by other SUVs and trailers as the NZTA expands its operations across the country to a total of 44 mobile cameras, 35 of which will be operating at any given time.

Tara Macmillan, head of regulatory strategic programmes, says: “Evidence shows we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits.

“Mobile safety cameras reduce deaths and serious injuries by discouraging speeding and are most effective when deployed nationwide on a ‘anytime, anywhere’ basis. The timing and location of cameras is informed by evidence, which may include crash data and feedback from communities.

“Evidence shows that unsigned mobile safety cameras are twice as effective at reducing crashes than signposted cameras. While our safety cameras in SUVs and trailers will be visible to drivers and not be hidden, they won’t be signposted.”

The NZTA will not receive any incentives or funds from tickets issued. Infringement fees go into the government consolidated fund.

From July 1, the agency will be responsible for all safety cameras and police will no longer operate their mobile safety camera vans. Police officers will continue to issue notices for offences they detect.