New 'average-speed' camera could mean fewer tickets for Kiwi drivers

November 5, 2018

The cameras, to be tested in Auckland next year, take the average speed instead of a snapshot of the fastest moment.

Fewer speeding tickets could be dished out to Kiwi drivers if the trial of a new type of camera is a success. 

The average-speed cameras will be tried out on two stretches of Auckland motorway next year before potentially being introduced around the country. 

In the first eight months of the current camera system, almost 30,000 drivers were caught speeding in the Waterview Tunnel, racking up $2.5 million in fines.

Mark Stockdale of the Automobile Association says currently some motorists are being ticketed, perhaps just as they're approaching the camera at the entrance to the tunnel.

"And they're temporarily speeding, but actually their average speed through the tunnel is within the limit."

So the new system, measuring the time it takes to get from one end of the tunnel to the other, could mean fewer tickets.

Police Minister Stuart Nash says this is not about raising revenue.

"This is about ensuring that people actually obey the speed limit. So for me, absolute success is this raises no revenue."

The scheme will also be tried between Manukau and Papakura on the Southern Motorway, where there's extensive roadworks.

It's hoped that motorists will think twice about speeding and that construction workers will feel safer on the job.

The system has been used successfully overseas, where they've seen reductions of up to 46 per cent in serious and fatal crashes.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is also trying out new signs to warn drivers about upcoming speed cameras.

"Every other country in the world has a sign warning motorists that they are approaching a speed camera. New Zealand is the only country that doesn't do that," Mr Stockdale said.

That's something that could change if both trials are successful.

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