29 September 2011

AA calls for red light cameras in all major NZ cities

Red light cameras should be used to improve road safety in all major New Zealand cities, according to the Automobile Association.

The AA’s statement follows the successful Auckland trial of this road safety technology. The trial conclusions were published by Auckland Transport and showed:

• an average 43% reduction in red light running behaviour at red light camera sites
• an average 69% decrease in red light running crashes at red light camera sites
• an estimated 32% reduction in rear-end crashes at red light camera locations
• an estimated 93% reduction in the social cost of crashes at red light camera sites
• an estimated economic benefit cost ratio of 8.2 : 1

• a significant reduction in red light running infringements at one camera location

• 75% of Aucklanders surveyed supported the use of red light cameras

“Red light cameras have proved themselves. They are one of the best things we can do to improve road safety at city intersections in New Zealand. They work, they are cost effective, and they have public support," says AA Motoring Affairs General Manager Mike Noon.

“Running red lights is a current road safety epidemic that is totally unacceptable. The Ministry of Transport says not stopping at a red light was likely to have been a factor in 227 crashes in 2009. No one has the right to impose these risks on other drivers.”

“There are currently only two cameras being rotated around the 10 Auckland CBD red light camera locations. The AA believes Auckland Transport should immediately purchase enough cameras to get the maximum road safety benefit from the 10 locations that were upgraded for the trial, and it should purchase additional cameras for other intersections in Auckland with a history of crashes and red light running.”

“The trial in the Auckland CBD has been an outstanding success – their city centre is now a much safer place, for both drivers and pedestrians, because of red light cameras,” says Mr Noon.

“The AA is now calling on all political parties to support the introduction of red light cameras in every major New Zealand city.

“Following the Auckland trial results, the AA can see no reason not to act now and use these cameras to make our major city intersections safer for all road users.”

ENDS

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