The chances of being caught running a red light in Auckland will double from today as all of the city's 12 red light safety cameras are operational at the same time following a new agreement between Auckland Transport and New Zealand Police.
Before the new agreement came into force there were only six cameras operating on a rotational basis in Auckland.
The decision to put all 12 cameras into operation follows concerns raised by Councillor Chris Darby when it was found that only half of Auckland’s 12 red light safety cameras could be operational at any one time.
Mayor Phil Goff also welcomed the agreement saying: "Red light running results in innocent people being smashed into, maimed and killed. It is irresponsible and illegal.
"Red light cameras are proven to reduce crashes and save lives. Having all cameras operating in hot spots around Auckland is a big deterrent. It will help reduce red light running and make our roads safer.
"Until now, limited police resources meant only six cameras could be enforced at the same time. That’s not good enough. With all 12 cameras operational we have maximum enforcement and a real deterrent to those people running red lights and placing lives in danger."
AT chief executive Shane Ellison says their are more cameras on the way.
"We intend to have 42 cameras in total installed in the next five years, instead of 10 years as originally proposed. They are an effective tool to improve road safety at intersections and we are committed to working closely with NZ Police on delivering this programme.
"Six more cameras will be installed at high risk intersections by June this year."
Red light safety cameras are enforcing at the following intersections:
• Albany Highway/Oteha Valley Road
• Blockhouse Bay Road/ New North Road
• Esmonde Road/ Fred Thomas Drive
• Great North Road and Rata Street
• Great North Road/ Karangahape Road
• Great South Road and Cavendish Drive – two cameras
• Great South Road and Reagan Road
• Lincoln Road/ Swanson Road
• Lincoln Road/ Te Pai Place
• Te Irirangi Drive and Accent Drive – two cameras*
*One camera will be relocated to the Nelson Street and Union Street intersection in the coming weeks.
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