New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is to begin using new, smaller mobile safety camera trailers to detect speeding on South Island roads.
Images of the smaller trailer was shared in a post on Facebook, with no telling exactly when the new trailers would join the existing fleet of camera-equipped SUVs and larger trailers.
"We've started testing the new trailer in Christchurch (we're not issuing fines during testing), and then we’ll start operating it in Otago and Southland," an NZTA spokesperson said online.
"The new trailers are smaller which means they can be parked up roadside in more places than the existing trailers. Otherwise, there’s no change to how we’re detecting speeding, or to the fines we're issuing," the agency added.
Currently, the mobile cameras could be parked anytime and anywhere, throughout the day and at night on any type of public road across the country.
They detected speeding both towards and away from the camera – on either side of the road.
The cameras weren't signposted, and trailers were all painted white, while the SUVs were different colours, makes, and models. Neither were branded.
"Our aim is to reduce the number of people travelling over the speed limit, lessening the likelihood of a crash being serious or fatal. We’re sharing what this new trailer looks like so you know what to expect," NZTA said.
"Exceeding the speed limit is illegal. If you travel at or below the speed limit you won’t be fined. Expect to be fined if the trailer spots you exceeding the speed limit – you can avoid this by not speeding."
NZ Transport Agency also stressed it did not directly benefit from any money collected in safety camera fines – instead, money from fines went to the government.
In May this year, 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.
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