New Average Speed Cameras Deployed on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road to Enhance Safety
Kaitaia, New Zealand – Beginning Monday, July 28, four new average speed cameras will be operational on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road, a measure implemented by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to curb speeding and mitigate the risk of serious accidents. This initiative aims to improve road safety on a stretch that has seen significant incidents in recent years.
The cameras are strategically positioned to monitor drivers’ average speeds between designated points.Two cameras will be located at the extremities of the monitored zone: one near Sandhills road in Ahipara and another by the 80 km/h speed limit sign at the Kaitaia end. The remaining two cameras will be situated near the speed limit signs at 655 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road and 854 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road.NZTA has clarified that drivers will only be penalized if their average speed between any two cameras exceeds the posted limit. This system is designed to measure sustained speed over a distance, rather than instantaneous speed at a single point. To ensure drivers are aware of the new system, signage will be installed to alert them to the camera zones and encourage adherence to speed limits.
Steve Mutton, NZTA Auckland and Northland director of regional relationships, highlighted the effectiveness of average speed cameras, stating, “We certainly know that average speed safety cameras are more effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries than the traditional speed cameras we’ve had in new Zealand.” He added that these cameras are expected to reduce speeding, thereby increasing the likelihood that individuals involved in any potential crashes will escape serious harm.The decision to install these cameras follows a concerning trend on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road. Between 2018 and 2023, the road was the site of two fatalities and 13 injuries. A survey conducted by NZTA in May 2024 revealed that approximately 75% of drivers were exceeding the speed limits, with an average speed of 89 km/h recorded across both 80 km/h and 60 km/h zones.
“The types of crashes that happen, and are likely to happen, on this stretch of road, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on Kaitaia-Awaroa rd,” Mutton stated. He emphasized that encouraging drivers to adhere to speed limits is crucial for reducing this risk.
The deployment of these cameras on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road is part of a broader rollout of average speed camera technology in the region. The first average speed camera in Matakana Road, Warkworth, is slated to become operational later this year, with further installations planned in the subsequent months.
