Auckland Transport media release

23 February 2015

Red light running a focus for Auckland Transport

Five new Red Light Camera sites have gone live in Auckland.

Auckland Transport selected the sites on the basis of NZ Transport Agency analysis, which identified intersections where red light cameras would likely enhance road safety.

The sites are part of wider programmes to encourage safer driving. Auckland Transport initiated a “Red Means Stop” education and enforcement campaign supported by the Police, and a follow up campaign is now in force.

In addition to Auckland Transport’s Red Light Camera sites, Police are preparing to run two digital, dual function cameras capable of recording vehicles that run red lights and/or speed through intersections. Infrastructure has been installed and they are currently going through a period of rigorous testing.

“Red light running is an issue of great concern in Auckland,” says Karen Hay, Community and Road Safety Manager at Auckland Transport. “We are pleased to be working with Police and our road safety partners on this initiative to both educate road users and enforce dangerous driving behaviours. We all need to take care at intersections to reduce the risk of someone getting killed or seriously injured. ”

Auckland Red light camera locations

Notes
• The NZ Transport Agency asked independent transport consultants to develop amethodology to identify intersections where red light cameras would likely enhance road safety. Police and Auckland Transport selected sites for these cameras from the 75 sites prioritised on the basis of potential crash-reduction savings.
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• Police’s dual function speed and red-light cameras use the latest non-invasive detection systems. The system comprises two radars and a camera. The primary radar scans and tracks vehicles as they approach the intersection. If a vehicle crosses the stop line during a red-light phase, a camera photographs the rear of the vehicle. A second radar (known as the validation radar) ensures the photograph taken is of the breaching vehicle.

• Like all Police enforcement equipment, each camera will be rigorously tested to make sure it meets Police’s strict operating criteria. Transport law requires speed cameras to be checked (calibrated) and certified every year. Police operates a laboratory that is accredited under international standards to calibrate and certify all police enforcement equipment including speed cameras.

• During the period 2009-2013 there were 634 injury crashes and 1277 non-injury crashes caused by red light running in the Auckland area.

• Police will calibrate Auckland Transport’s cameras, process images and issue resulting infringement notices.

Links
• Police speed camera media kits: http://www.police.govt.nz/about-us/publication/media-kit-first-12-new-static-camera-sites
• Auckland Transport Red Means Stop campaign: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/campaigns/red-light-running/

ENDS

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