By Times Team

Copyright times

The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has begun rolling out a new vehicle speed-monitoring camera, operated from inside mobile trailers.

The trailers are joining the fleet of camera-equipped SUVs which have been operating across the country since May, it says.

Nine more trailers will join the fleet in the coming months, and together with the 34 mobile cameras operating in SUVs, mobile cameras will be operating on average for more than 6500 hours every month across the country.

“This, coupled with our risk-based approach and 24/7 operation will make our roads safer for everyone by deterring speeding nationwide, and drivers who continue to choose to speed are much more likely to be detected and fined,” says Tara Macmillan, NZTA head of regulatory strategic programmes.

“The camera technology in trailers is the same as we’re using in our SUVs but having both vehicle types gives us more flexibility to move cameras between high-risk locations quickly and easily, ensuring that we’re targeting stretches of road where speeding drivers are putting themselves and others at risk.

“Using mobile trailers also allows us to have our cameras out for longer stretches of time, and to set up in places that might be difficult for SUVs to operate.

“Both our trailers and SUVs will be working day and night, detecting speeding wherever and whenever it occurs,” Macmillan says.

“Like cameras in SUVs, the camera-equipped trailers can detect speeding vehicles travelling both towards and away from them, from either side of the road.

“They also won’t be signposted.

“Both cars and trailers have extensive security and tracking systems and are equipped with CCTV cameras and alarm systems to protect the equipment and ensure the safety of operators.

“They are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

In July, NZTA became solely responsible for the operation of the safety camera network of around 150 cameras formerly operated by police.

This is planned to expand to around 200 cameras by 2027, including fixed speed cameras, mobile speed cameras, red light cameras, and average point-to-point speed cameras.