Waterview Tunnel proves to be million-dollar cash cow for police

Nearly $1 million worth of speeding tickets were issued to Auckland motorists using the Waterview Tunnel in just five weeks.

Police operate four speed cameras in the tunnel area, with one at each entrance and exit to the tunnel.

Figures released to the Herald under the Official Information Act shows 9756 speeding infringement notices were issued to drivers between July 21 - the day the cameras went live - and August 31.

The total value of the notices generated by speed cameras operating in the Waterview Tunnel was $948,220.

Police noted the amount recorded on each notice did not necessarily indicate the amount paid.

Of the 1,520,767 vehicle trips taken in the tunnel during the July 21 - August 31 time period, 6 in 1000, or .6 per cent, attracted a speeding fine.

One woman, hairdresser Tess Coote, was fined $360 for speeding during two round trips to visit her sick father in Waikato Hospital in July.

"It's a money-making tube," the Kingsland resident told the Herald earlier this year, saying she was conscious of the 80km/h speed limit driving through the new $1.4 billion tunnel.

Fined motorist Tess Coote has called the tunnel a "money making-tube". Photo / Chris Loufte.

Three of the fines are for $80 and one for $120 for allegedly driving at 98km/h.

Police do not retain any of the fines associated with drivers exceeding the safe posted
speed limit. All of this goes to the government's consolidated fund.

NZTA agreed last month to restore the speed limit on the motorway surrounding the Waterview tunnel to 100km/h after a petition attracted more than 4000 signatures.

- NZ Herald