They are called "average speed safety cameras" and they work by calculating a vehicle’s average speed along a length of road between two cameras.
By measuring the time the vehicle takes to travel between the cameras, the average speed can be calculated - and if it is over the limit, the driver will be ticketed. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) regulatory strategic programmes head Tara Macmillan said the cameras would be placed on roads where high speeds and accidents were common.
In the southern region’s case, they would be installed on State Highway 1 (between Allanton and Waihola), State Highway 6 (between Kingston and Five Rivers), and State Highway 8 (between Lake Tekapo and Twizel).
Installation of the Allanton-Waihola cameras is due to start this month, and the Kingston-Five Rivers cameras will be installed early next month.
They are among 17 locations around the country to have the cameras installed.
Subject to final testing, the first set at Matakana Rd, in Warkworth, is expected to start enforcing speeds from December 1.
However, cameras in the southern regions were not expected to start sending infringement tickets until mid-2026.
A survey of vehicles found 26% of those driving on SH6 (Kingston to Five Rivers) were travelling over the speed limit; 19% were over the limit on SH8 (Lake Tekapo to Twizel); and 21% were over the limit on SH1 (Allanton to Waihola).
"All of this evidence tells us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on these stretches of road.
"The risk of crashes is significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit.
"Average speed safety cameras are widely used overseas, and they are proven to reduce deaths and serious injuries.
"By installing average speed safety cameras, we are reducing that risk and making these roads safer for everyone who uses them."
NZTA will install "average speed camera area" signs before each camera area.
On longer stretches of road, drivers would also see extra "average speed camera area" signs along the way, she said.
"These signs are a reminder to drivers to check their speed and slow down if needed."
Safety camera infringement fees would go into the Government Consolidated Fund, she said.
NZ Police are no longer operating mobile safety camera vans and, since July 1, 2025, NZTA has taken responsibility for the operation of all safety cameras.
However, police will continue to issue infringement notices for the offences they detect on New Zealand roads.
