New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be taking over operations of mobile speed cameras from NZ Police starting next week.
The vans traditionally used by Police will continue, but NZTA is also introducing SUVs (a first for mobile cameras) and ultimately even a bespoke trailer unit.
A camera-equipped SUV will be on roadsides across Auckland from Tuesday 13 May. While NZTA hasn't given details of what that vehicle is, it has handily provided a media-release image of a white Toyota RAV4 with camera gear installed and a crafty disguise of bike racks on the roof.
Other SUVs and the new trailers will join the fleet over time to comprise a total of 44 mobile cameras – 35 of which will be operating in any given period.
NZTA says the exact timing and location of mobile safety cameras is "informed by evidence, which may include crash data and feedback from local communities.
“Mobile cameras will be used in places where there is a risk of people being killed or seriously injured in a crash. Evidence shows that unsigned mobile safety cameras are twice as effective at reducing crashes than signposted cameras, so while our safety cameras in SUVs and trailers will be visible to drivers and will not be hidden, they won’t be signposted.”
NZTA does not receive incentives or funds from tickets issued. Safety camera infringement fees go into the Government Consolidated Fund.
From 1 July 2025, NZTA will be responsible for the operation of all safety cameras and NZ Police will no longer operate their mobile safety camera vans. However, Police officers will continue to issue notices for offences they detect.