Should there be warning signs before permanent speed cameras?

Out of the 10 permanent speed cameras installed around New Zealand late last year, only one is set to have warning signage.

In 2019, the government announced it would adopt a "no surprises" approach to speed cameras, with signage placed ahead of all permanent cameras.

AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen said four years have now passed and there remains next to no permanent cameras with signage out of the near 60 across the country.

"Of 10 new permanent cameras added to roads in Auckland and Northland late last year, only the one on SH1 in Kawakawa will have signage. At present the Kawakawa camera remains in trial mode and is yet to go live."

He said the AA's position is that permanent speed cameras need to be signposted so people have an opportunity to check their speed and slow down if needed in high-risk locations where the consequences of speeding can be much more serious.

Simeon Brown has responded to criticism from the AA around the delay in rolling out signs to warn drivers of speed cameras.

"Some people speed intentionally but others may genuinely think the limit is higher than it is, or they might have unknowingly let their speed creep up. A warning sign reminder is a much better option than a ticket for people in those groups.

"On roads that have had speed limit reductions in recent times, we also think it makes sense to put repeater signs for the new limit at the same place as signs alerting drivers to the camera area."

Apart from the Kawakawa camera that is due to go live shortly, the only other permanent camera that has some form of signage is at Kauri on State Highway 1 in Northland.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown told reporters this afternoon that putting up warning signage had stalled due to a "disagreement between police and [the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi]".

"I think it's bureaucratic nonsense which is getting in the way. I'll be working with both agencies to get this fixed."

Thomsen said since being installed in 2018, speeding infringements have more than halved following the installation of Reduce Speed Now signs.

"The reduction in tickets is great news because that means more people are travelling within the limit near Kauri — it's a huge win for safety. We'd like to see this replicated at other high-risk locations around the country."

"The primary function of speed cameras is deterrence, not punishment."

He said giving people fair warning that they might get pinged and an opportunity to travel within the speed limit is "the right thing to do".

The 10 cameras are located in high-risk crash areas where the speed limit has been lowered to 80km/h in recent years:

Ostrich Rd, Franklin
Mill Rd, Pukekohe East
Waitākere Rd, Taupaki
Waiuku Rd, Waiuku
Glenbrook-Waiuku Rd, Waiuku
Dairy Flat Highway, Dairy Flat
Papakura-Cleavedon Rd, Ardmore
Linwood Rd, Karaka
McKenzie Rd, Kingseat
SH1 Northland Kawakawa.