Cameras on the northern end of the harbour bridge are aimed at individual lanes. Are they recording details using their new number plate vehicle ID system? Do they intend sending tickets to vehicles without a current WOF or registration as in the UK? Jeff Sole, Auckland.
These are, indeed, number
plate recognition cameras, but unless you drive a heavy vehicle, you need not worry. The cameras were installed by the NZ Transport Agency a year ago to spot overweight trucks using the box girder or clip-on lanes. It is part of a move to take a tougher line on trucks carrying illegal loads of 44 tonnes or more.
The NZTA has no legal power to prosecute, but it does send warning letters and passes details of frequent offenders to the police so that trucks can be weighed at other locations. An overweight truck's registration, warrant of fitness and road user charge payments may also be checked.
The NZTA has no plans to extend the use of cameras to monitor other vehicles, but we will all benefit from the scheme, because ensuring weight regulations are observed will extend the economic life of the clip-ons.
My route to work takes me through the new tram route near the Viaduct Harbour precinct. What are the traffic laws regarding trams? In Melbourne, they have right of way at all times. Is that the case here? Tristan Rossiter-Sheehy, Auckland.
