The first NZTA Waka Kotahi-operated safety camera will go live on State Highway 1 in Northland shortly.
It will be located between Kawakawa and Moerewa, on a stretch of highway where five people have died between 2018 and 2023.
Temporary mobile variable message sign (VMS) boards will go up soon, alerting drivers to the fact the camera will soon be operational. More permanent signage will be unveiled soon.
The camera will only detect speeding — it won't have automated number plate recognition functionality as it was deemed it was not required here as it's for average-speed safety cameras, which required the matching of two images.
It also can't detect mobile phone or seatbelt use, body heat signatures or facial recognition.
Roddy Pihema of the nearby Taumatamākuku community said the camera will offer peace of mind.
"I've had six families who have lost loved ones on our roads come up to me to say they all needed this camera. It's about protecting life and keeping everyone safe."
The camera will go live from the week beginning June 17.
Police have previously owned and operated safe speed cameras, but the cameras and their operation is being handed over to NZTA.
By June next year NZTA is planning on having around 200 operational cameras on its network.
It was aiming to have up to 800 operational by the decade's end.
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