Horokiwi speed camera goes live

Wellington, 23 December 2014 - A new next generation fixed speed camera on the Wellington Motorway will be switched to operational mode today.

Infrastructure for the new camera on State Highway 2 between Horokiwi and Petone was installed in October. Since then, the camera has been operating in test mode.

It’s the second camera to go live on the stretch of motorway between Wellington and Petone. A digital camera on State Highway 1 next to the Thorndon on-ramp went operational in November, replacing an older-style camera.

Acting Wellington District Road Policing Manager, Senior Sergeant Ian Martin, says the stretch of motorway is a key arterial route that sees large numbers of drivers during regular weekly traffic and peaks around holiday periods.

The new camera at Horokiwi will encourage motorists to drive at or below the speed limit before they reach the Petone exit and the tight curve under the overbridge. “There are also a high number of cycle commuters sharing the road at this point,” says Senior Sergeant Martin.

"The new camera will reinforce our work to create greater awareness from drivers and keep speeds down. The international research shows that speed cameras reduce traffic speed and road crashes, and help to reduce injury severity. Small reductions in speed greatly reduce the likelihood of a crash and increase the chances of surviving crashes that do occur."

This camera is part of the rollout of 56 new fixed speed cameras being placed across the country in sites assessed as having a high risk of speed-related crashes. They monitor up to six lanes of traffic flowing in both directions.

ENDS

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