Ngauranga camera

New Zealand has installed a new camera that can detect vehicles travelling at unsafe speeds across multiple lanes of traffic in one of the worst crash risk areas in Wellington.

The new Ngauranga Gorge fixed-speed camera, which is now operating following a period of thorough testing, features the latest advances in digital technology.

Other safety enforcement measures, such as mobile speed cameras, have been in operation when the new camera was under trial.

Police Crash Investigation and Calibration Services manager Mark Stables said that the exhaustive testing process was designed to ensure that the new camera met the police’s strict operating criteria in a range of conditions before becoming operational.

"The Ngauranga Gorge camera has been a very effective tool in bringing down vehicle mean speeds and reducing crashes, deaths and injuries in an area of significant speed-related crash risk," he said.

"Among the new camera’s features is a dual radar-based detection system that works more efficiently, as well as software that gives us the ability to remotely configure the camera and download its data, doing away with the need to physically visit the site, except for periodic maintenance," Stables added.

"The exhaustive testing process was designed to ensure that the new camera met the police’s strict operating criteria."

The previous camera that was in operation in the area was almost 20 years old, and had to be replaced by an effective and efficient technology that can reduce costs and accidents.

The new camera can measure vehicles travelling at different speeds in individual lanes, in any direction, all at the push of a button.

In addition, it has a more efficient infrared flash technology that can operate equally well at night.

According to a statement by New Zealand police, the digital technology will be implemented at locations where there are speed-related crash risks.

"As with Ngauranga Gorge, there is strong evidence that both fixed and mobile speed cameras are effective tools in encouraging drivers to travel at safer speeds, and reduce road trauma," Stables said.

New Zealand Police currently operates a network of 57 speed cameras, and is currently executing a tender and procurement process to expand and upgrade its ageing fixed-camera fleet.

Image: The new camera can measure vehicles travelling at different speeds in individual lanes. Photo: courtesy of New Zealand Government.