Police Lower Speed Camera Thresholds Under Pressure From NZTA
December 9, 2022
PHOTO: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The January-on-January figures for fines against motorists from both mobile and fixed cameras show $600,000 in fines in 2021, and $2.7m in fines in January 2022.
Police have been under pressure to increase use of speed cameras after years of undershooting the targets that NZTA funds them to hit. NZTA is taking over the cameras next year.
RNZ asked Police Minister Chris Hipkins if he supported the police’s approach, given people were paying more fines during a cost-of-living crisis.
“Day-to-day operations such as speed and alcohol enforcement are operational matters for police,” Hipkins said in a three-line statement today.
Asked if he was made aware of the changes previously, he said from police updates he knew they had increased both speed enforcement and breath testing.
“I have confidence that police are committed to reducing road deaths, and along with other agencies are playing their part in Road to Zero.”