17 July 2013

Auckland Transport welcomes Red Light Camera Extension

Auckland Transport is welcoming news from the Ministry of Transport that more intersections in Auckland may be fitted with red light cameras. A red light camera trial that ran in Auckland between 2008 and 2010 showed an average 43 per cent reduction in red light running, and an average 69 per cent decrease in crashes attributable to red light running.

The Ministry has released a position paper on red light cameras that paves the way for their use at intersections where an evidence-based benefit can be established.

Auckland Transport’s Road Safety Manager Karen Hay is pleased with the news. “The trial of red light cameras in Auckland has been successful and we welcome the decision to extend their use.”

That trial was set-up by ARTA (now Auckland Transport) in association with NZTA, NZ Police, the Ministry of Transport and the Automobile Association.

Between 2008 and 2012, there were 11 fatalities, 169 serious injuries and 1466 minor injuries where the running of a red light was a contributing factor. The average annual social cost of these crashes is estimated at $43 million.

“We are pleased we can now look at putting red light cameras at other intersections in Auckland,” says Ms Hay.

The government expects to see new generation cameras appearing at intersections from the end of next year.

The Ministry of Transport’s Position Paper is available at: www.saferjourneys.govt.nz/about-safer-journeys/news/red-light-camera-position-paper/

For more information: www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz

ENDS

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