Speedy camera decision seems unlikely

Steve Larking.
Steve Larking.
Motorists using the new four-lane highway in Caversham Valley, once home to the South Island's most prolific speed camera, will have to wait and see if their speeds will be monitored when new-generation cameras are introduced in Dunedin.

The highway and Lookout Point bridge were officially opened last week.

A camera that used to be in position south of Barnes Dr was removed during construction, and police say no decision has yet been made on its return.

''Obviously, that road has changed, but whether or not we need to slow people down for Barnes Dr, it's really a work in progress,'' acting Southern district road policing manager Senior Sergeant Steve Larking said.

The camera that was in place snapped 3304 vehicles during 2011 and 2012, the highest number of any camera in the South Island.

The first of a new generation of digital cameras, which capture speeding motorists across multiple lanes and in both directions, was installed near Wellington in July 2014, with 11 of 12 high-risk sites identified by police in Auckland and Wellington operational last month.

Police have said an additional 44 sites across the country would be identified for installation of the cameras by the end of this year.

About 660 sites were identified nationally as high-risk and appropriate for the cameras, with a review into the sites ongoing and final sites yet to be chosen.

Snr Sgt Larking said it was still not decided where Dunedin cameras would be located when new ones were installed.

''There's been consultation with partner agencies, but no firm decision yet.

''There will be static speed cameras in Dunedin, but where they will be placed I'm just not sure at this stage.''

Mobile speed cameras were still in operation across Dunedin.

''All we want people to do is drive to the conditions and don't speed.

''We want everyone to get to their destination safely.''

• The fixed camera on SH1 south of Lookout Point remains in place.

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