There has been a mixed response among the people of Northland today as the first NZTA-operated speed camera will go live shortly on SH1 between Kawakawa and Moerewa.
Temporary mobile message signs will soon go up alerting drivers to the fact that the cameras will be operational with more permanent signage being quickly unveiled.
The camera will only detect speeding, it won’t have automated number plate recognition functionality as it was deemed not required here as it’s for average-speed safety cameras, which require the matching of two images.
It also can’t detect mobile phone or seatbelt use, body heat signatures or facial recognition.
There has been support for and against the new speed cameras with some saying it is good we have these new cameras as it will be a more efficient way to combat speeding whilst others have said we need to have more punishment for speeding rather than deterring it.
The police have previously owned the speed cameras but the ownership and operation will soon be handed over to NZTA.
NZTA aims to have 800 operational safety cameras by the end of the decade.
