NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will begin construction on a set of average speed safety cameras to improve safety on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road in Northland, from next Monday 28 July.

NZTA Auckland and Northland Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton, says the safety cameras aim to significantly reduce the number of people traveling over the speed limit on this road and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

“The types of crashes that happen and are likely to happen on this stretch of road, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras here we can encourage just that.

“In May 2024 we ran a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 75 percent of drivers were speeding. It showed the average speed across the full length of road to be 89km/h across both 80km/h and 60km/h areas.

“We also know that between 2018 and 2023 two people were killed and another 13 were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch of road.”

There will be four cameras in total. The outer cameras will be installed near Sandhills Road in Ahipara at one end and the 80km/h speed limit sign at the Kaitaia end. The two cameras in the middle will be installed near the speed limit signs at approximately 655 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road, and the other near 854 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road.

When installed, the four cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed between any two cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit.

“We know that average speed safety cameras are more effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries than the traditional speed cameras we’ve had in New Zealand. Safety cameras will reduce speeding, ensuring that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed” says Mr Mutton.

Initial construction works will include installing underground power supplies, completing foundation works and installing metal barriers that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.

Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed.

NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online in the following months.

For more information visit nzta.govt.nz/safety-cameras and fndc.govt.nz/average-speed-cameras.

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