Just when you thought you’d learned to spot the fleet of camera-equipped SUVs, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is rolling out its newest tool in the war on speed: mobile safety cameras housed in trailers. If you drive in Auckland, get ready to see the first one in action this week.
A New Chapter in Speed Enforcement
Forget looking for a person in a hi-vis vest inside a parked SUV. NZTA is deploying a new fleet of camera-equipped trailers, set to join the 34 mobile camera SUVs that have been patrolling our roads since May. The first trailer hits the streets of Auckland today, Wednesday, September 17, with nine more to be deployed nationwide in the coming months. This isn’t a minor addition. The combined force of SUVs and trailers will see mobile cameras operating for over 6,500 hours every month across the country. According to Tara Macmillan, NZTA’s Head of Regulatory Strategic Programmes, this expansion, combined with a 24/7 operational schedule, means drivers who choose to speed are “much more likely to be detected and fined.”
The Tech Behind the Ticket
The technology inside these new trailers is the same as what’s used in the current SUV fleet. That means they are highly capable, with the ability to:
- Detect speeding vehicles travelling both towards and away from the unit.
- Operate from either side of the road.
- Work day and night, in any weather.
- Crucially, and perhaps most importantly for drivers, NZTA has confirmed these new trailer cameras will not be signposted. This marks a significant shift, moving away from warning drivers to a strategy focused purely on detection and deterrence through fines.
Why Trailers? The Strategic Advantage
So, why add trailers to the mix? Flexibility. NZTA states that using trailers gives them more options for deploying cameras at high-risk locations. They can be set up in places that are difficult for an SUV to park or operate in and can be left on-site for longer periods to monitor a problem area. For the everyday driver, this means a speed camera could now appear in unexpected places and stay there for an extended time. The official reason, as Ms. Macmillan notes, is safety. “Evidence shows that we can reduce the chances of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes if drivers travel within speed limits, and that is why we have safety cameras.” While road safety is a goal every driver shares, the move to unmarked, 24/7 cameras will likely reignite the public debate about whether the primary focus is purely safety or also revenue generation.
Thinking of Messing With One? Think Again.
If you happen to roll past one of these trailers and have any bright ideas, it’s best to keep driving. NZTA has equipped both the trailers and the SUVs with extensive security measures. These include CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and tracking devices, all of which are monitored 24/7 to protect the equipment. For Kiwi drivers, the message is clear: the landscape of speed enforcement is changing. With more cameras, operating more hours, in more locations, and without warning signs, the chances of getting caught for exceeding the limit are about to increase dramatically. Keep your eyes on the road, your speedo in check, or get ready for that dreaded envelope in the mail.
