Fines have been paid for 1251 speed-camera infringements involving police vehicles in New Zealand over the past five years.
Figures released to the Otago Daily Times under the Official Information Act show 2874 speed-camera offences have been recorded for police vehicles since 2005, with 1251 fines paid and 1623 waived.
Waitemata District police topped the list, with 469 infringements in that period, followed by Wellington (354) and Counties-Manukau (318).
Southern (Otago-Southland) ranked ninth out of 12 police districts, with 203 infringements (101 paid and 102 waived).
Southern police district road policing manager Inspector Andrew Burns said if police exceeded the speed limit without a suitable reason, they would get an infringement notice, just like members of the public.
Staff who triggered a speed-camera flash on their way to a job could notify Police Communications to have it recorded.
The number of infringements issued to police both locally and nationally sounded "about right", he said.
"The nature of our job is that you have to exceed the speed limit sometimes."
Speed-camera fines depended on how fast motorists were travelling over the speed limit, and attracted no demerit points.
Staff were encouraged to make "really good decisions" while driving, Insp Burns said.
Roading police national manager Superintendent Paula Rose said under Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 there were provisions covering the driving of emergency vehicles carrying out urgent duties.
However, if a police driver exceeded the speed limit while carrying out their duty, this defence did not excuse dangerous or reckless driving, she said.
"Police officers are required to provide an explanation for any speed offence detected and are held accountable for any breaches of speed-related legislation for which there is no justification or legal defence."
