A speed camera on the Coatesville Riverview Highway was cut down reportedly by a disgruntled local. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY
The next wave of average-speed safety cameras will be rolled out across the Auckland region in the coming weeks, targeting main roads in the north and southeast.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the next cameras to be activated would be on Kahikatea Flat Rd in late March,and on Pine Valley Rd and Whitford Rd in April.
Roads with cameras set to be activated later in the year include East Coast Rd and Glenbrook Rd east and west in Auckland, Kaitāia-Awaroa Rd in Northland and SH2 Matatā and SH5 Tumunui in the Bay of Plenty.
SH2 Pōkeno in Waikato, SH2 Te Hauke in Hawke’s Bay, SH1 Sanson in Manawatū-Whanganui and SH2 Upper Hutt in Wellington round out the new cameras in the North Island.
New cameras in the South Island will be rolled out for SH8 Lake Tekapo to Twizel, SH1 Allanton to Waihola in Otago and SH6 Kingston in Southland.
Data published by NZTA showed the rollout of the average-speed camera on Matakana Rd at the start of December resulted in more than 99% of drivers travelling on the road following the speed limit, up from 88% before it was introduced.
New average-speed safety cameras are set to be rolled out across New Zealand. Photo / NZTA
Chris Rodley, NZTA head of driving regulation, said the cameras are doing exactly what they were designed to by encouraging people to keep within the speed limit.
Between December 1 and February 28, speeding at that site had resulted in $9030 worth of infringement notices.
“The measure of success is the reduction in the number of drivers exceeding the speed limit and the resulting increase in safety,” Rodley said.
“A 99% compliance rate with the posted speed limit is a huge success. A 100% compliance rate with zero infringements issued would be considered the ultimate success – the purpose of safety cameras is to increase safety, not to collect fines."
Rodley also said NZTA does not receive any incentives or funds from tickets issued, with fees going to the Government Consolidated Fund.
The location of speed cameras is determined by analysing crash patterns, traffic volumes and the percentage of drivers exceeding the posted speed limits, Rodley said, with cameras installed on corridors where evidence shows a high crash risk.
A speed camera on Matakana Rd was vandalised earlier this year. Photo / Geoff Upson
In February, the camera had been discovered smeared with black paint, while a separate camera on the Coatesville Riverview Highway was cut down.
At the time, NZTA acknowledged vandalism to the camera, but said the act did not stop the camera from working.
“International experience shows that average-speed safety cameras are highly effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries,” Rodley said.
“When more people drive within the speed limit, crashes are less likely to occur, and if they do happen, they are far less severe.
“Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm, including deaths and life‑changing injuries.
“Evidence shows we can significantly reduce the chances of people being killed or seriously injured if drivers travel within speed limits – and that’s why we use safety cameras."
