Auckland Transport media release

24 January 2018

New cameras switched on to improve road safety

Six new safety cameras have been turned on this week, across the Auckland region, to improve safety at high risk locations and adding to the existing network of safety cameras.

The new cameras installed at intersections operate on advanced technology and Auckland Transport is looking to add even more in the coming year.

The cameras operate remotely so data is collected in a central location, rather than technicians needing to visit the site.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Transport Operations Officer Andrew Allen says that a good safety camera is one that doesn’t need to take pictures because people are stopping when they should and not running red lights.

“We know that safety cameras work to make intersections safer and save many lives. Red light running is very common, especially with drivers aged 20 to 39. This group causes 58% of crashes where red lights are ignored and someone is injured.

“We have been working closely with the New Zealand Police, the NZ Transport Agency and others groups like the Automobile Association to bring down the number of crashes resulting from red light running.

“We are sending a clear message by adding more red light safety cameras to the network. You need to stop at red lights and stop risking lives on the road,” says Mr Allen.

The new cameras are at Lincoln Road/ Swanson Road, Lincoln Road/ Te Pai Place, Albany Highway/Oteha Valley Road, Great North Road/ Karangahape Road, Blockhouse Bay Road/ New North Road and Esmond Road/ Fred Thomas Drive.

NZ Transport Agency’s crash data shows that in Auckland between 2012 and 2016, there were 69 fatal and serious injury crashes caused by red light running. Four people died and 79 were seriously injured, because someone failed to stop for the red light.

The Automobile Association’s Barney Irvine says few road safety issues get AA Members as fired up as red light running.

“Our Members are sick and tired of red light runners putting other road users – and themselves – at risk. Ninety percent of Auckland AA Members say they want to see more cameras at intersections. We’re delighted to see Auckland Transport push ahead with this, and we’d love to see the same approach rolled out in other main centres.”

Police say running red lights at intersections is a road risk that nobody should be willing to take. Waitemata Road Policing Manager Inspector Trevor Beggs says, “The consequences of choosing to run a red light can be life or death. Increased speed, regardless of vehicle type, puts vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists at greater risk. For them, drivers stopping at red lights and even a small reduction in vehicle speed could save their life.”

NZTA crash statistics (2012 – 2016)

· Overall signalised intersection injury crashes have been trending upwards since 2012. The Auckland Urban areas have the largest number of intersection casualties. In Auckland between 2012 and 2016, there were a total of 69 fatal and serious injury crashes at signalised intersections due to red light running. These crashes resulted in 4 deaths, with 75 people being seriously injured.

· Drivers at fault or part fault in these injury crashes were of the following age groups:

o 20 – 24 years: 27%

o 25 – 29 years: 14%

o 30 – 39 years: 17%

· 93% of these crashes occurred on urban roads and 80% in dry conditions.

· The majority of these crashes took place on weekdays (67%).

· The worst months of the year for intersection red light running crashes are June (14%) and August (12%).

· 58% of drivers involved had a full licence and 24% of drivers had a learner or restricted licence.

For more: www.AT.govt.nz/redlightrunning

ENDS

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