The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is set to launch its first mobile safety camera SUV in Auckland — marking the formal transition of speed camera operations from New Zealand Police to NZTA.
From Tuesday, May 13, a camera-equipped sports utility vehicle will begin monitoring Auckland roadsides, targeting drivers who exceed the speed limit. It’s the first time in New Zealand that mobile safety cameras will operate from SUVs, in addition to the vans traditionally used by police. Later this year, trailers will also be added to the fleet.
The initiative is part of NZTA’s plan to operate 44 mobile cameras nationwide, with 35 in use at any given time as the agency ramps up coverage across the country.
“Speeding drivers can cause serious and irreparable harm on the roads, including deaths and serious injuries,” says Tara Macmillan, NZTA’s head of regulatory strategic programmes.
“Evidence shows that we can reduce the chance of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.”
Macmillan says mobile cameras are most effective when drivers know they could be deployed anywhere at any time.
“Mobile safety cameras reduce deaths and serious injuries by discouraging speeding generally, and they are most effective when they are deployed nationwide on a ‘anytime, anywhere’ basis. 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 sign posted 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 has confirmed it does not receive revenue from infringements. Safety camera fines are paid into the Government Consolidated Fund.
From July 1, 2025, NZTA will take over full operation of all mobile safety cameras, with police ceasing use of their existing vans. Police officers will still issue infringement notices for offences they detect independently.
