Cameras will not focus on bad drivers

A camera is suspended over lights at the intersection of Maunu Rd and State Highway 14. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Cameras suspended from two major intersections in Whangarei are not red light or speed cameras, but designed to keep an eye on traffic flows.

An email circulated on social media since the bulb-like cameras appeared at the SH14 and Maunu Rd intersection and the intersection of Central Ave and Western Hills Drive suggested they were there to catch speedsters or red light jumpers.

Whangarei police and the Whangarei District Council have confirmed the cameras were put in by New Zealand Transport Agency to monitor traffic flows.

NZTA Northland and Auckland North Journey manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult said the cameras had been installed as a part of the recent upgrades at both intersections but had not yet been activated.

"This will provide the council and Transport Agency the ability to monitor live the traffic at this location."

If red light cameras were to be installed there would be consultation with police and council first, she said.

Whangarei District Council said it had nothing to do with the placement of the cameras.

The email also said lights at Maunu/Western Hills intersection, Kensington opposite Z, and Whau Valley/Kamo Rd intersection had speed and red light cameras but Ms Hori-Hoult said yellow boxes attached to traffic lights were for the signal cables while the grey boxes were in place to drive the audio tactile pads to assist partially-sighted pedestrians.