New Zealand’s expanded mobile speed camera fleet has detected almost 70,000 speeding offences in its first 4 months of operation, according to new figures released by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Between 12 May and 21 August, the 34 unmarked camera-equipped SUVs recorded 67,308 speeding infringements, resulting in $928,960 in fines. The vehicles replaced police-operated camera vans after Waka Kotahi assumed responsibility for the national safety camera network earlier this year.
One vehicle alone issued 5,179 infringements, while another generated $104,270 in fines. All revenue collected goes to the Government’s Consolidated Fund, rather than to Waka Kotahi.
Targeted to High-Risk Areas
The mobile camera SUVs are deployed without advance warning and are designed to blend in with everyday traffic. They operate across both urban and rural locations and can be positioned at any time.
Waka Kotahi head of regulatory strategic programs Tara Macmillan said the cameras are being placed where they can help prevent serious harm.
“Mobile cameras will be used in places where there is a risk of people being killed or seriously injured in a crash,” she told 1News.
Macmillan said research supports the use of unannounced camera enforcement.
“Evidence shows that unsigned mobile safety cameras are twice as effective at reducing crashes as signposted cameras. So, while our safety cameras in SUVs and trailers will be visible to drivers and will not be hidden, they won’t be signposted.”
Part of a Wider Safety Expansion
The mobile camera fleet is part of a broader investment in automated speed enforcement. This includes camera trailers and an increasing number of fixed and average-speed camera systems.
During July and August, fixed cameras issued 79,364 infringement notices, totalling $4.78 million in fines during Waka Kotahi’s first two months managing the network.
Ms Macmillan said the primary goal is improving safety outcomes.
“The evidence clearly shows that where safety cameras have been used in New Zealand and overseas, they reduce speeds and reduce the harm caused by crashes. Because of this, they’re proven to significantly reduce deaths and serious injuries.
“Speed can be the difference between death, a life-changing injury and walking away from a crash unharmed. Alongside other improvements, safety cameras will contribute to a transport system that protects us all.”
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