A New Zealand Transport Agency mobile speed camera trailer unit has ben removed by police from State Highway 1 after forcing traffic to “veer” into the other lane, according to a motorist.
"Didymo" Dave Cade told 1News he first noticed the unit after an officer had stopped behind it on the side of the road in Waitahanui, south of Taupō, on Saturday afternoon.
Cade said he asked the officer what he was doing and he responded, “well, you look at the trucks”.
“The trucks were coming down, because it’s State Highway 1, and they were veering to go around it,” Cade said.
"Well, you don’t want trucks veering out when you’ve got another one coming the other way.”
He praised the police officer for staying behind the speed camera, “protecting the traffic” until someone came to pick it up.
“He saw it was dangerous, he didn’t have a power or a committee meeting, or you know, five days of thinking about it. Just went ‘that’s dangerous, it’s out of here'.”
Cade added the officer sat behind the camera for “over an hour” until a tow truck made its way to the scene – and it was then carted away.
“I’m not against speed cameras, it was more the attitude of this… I said to him ‘can I take some photos because this a good news story for you guys'."
'Did not meet our expectations'
A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesperson told 1News a mobile safety camera had been parked on SH1 at Waitahanui, Taupō on Saturday.
“While it was not parked illegally, the way it was positioned did not meet our expectations.
“We are reinforcing our operating procedures and reviewing the suitability of different safety camera vehicles, including SUVs and trailers, for each site.
“This is to ensure they can operate safely and appropriately while addressing road safety risks in local communities.”
Mobile speed camera trailer units were first rolled out in September 2025.
Last month, 1News revealed more than 73,000 motorists had been snapped by the units in their first six months on New Zealand roads, with the total value of fines issued exceeding $4.65 million.
SHARE ME