Hidden cameras move step nearer

By STUART DYE

The introduction of hidden speed cameras would result in 20 fewer deaths and 170 fewer injuries on New Zealand roads every year, according to Government advisers.

The use of covert surveillance to catch speedsters is a step nearer after the advisers agreed to formally lodge a recommendation for hidden cameras.

The controversial measure has been criticised by opponents, who claim it is a revenue-gathering tool - a claim denied by the National Road Safety Committee.

The committee is also recommending demerit points instead of fines for some speed camera offences.

The claim that hidden speed camera trials in the Waikato were inconclusive was "one of the great myths", according to committee chairman David Wright.

An official report found that the trial, from 1997 to 2000, resulted in a 19 per cent drop in open-road casualties.

Recent estimates suggested that the introduction of hidden speed cameras nationally would result in an annual reduction of 20 road deaths and 170 injuries, Mr Wright said.

The committee's proposals will be handed to Transport Minister Paul Swain next month.

They have been drawn up to help the Government reach its road safety goals of no more than 300 deaths and 4500 admittances to hospital each year by 2010.

Other recommendations include targeting repeat drink-driving offenders and lowering the legal alcohol limit.

"Impaired drivers and speeding drivers are a plague on this country's roads," Mr Wright said. "If we're serious about reducing road deaths and injuries we must do more to change their behaviour."

The committee also wants the elimination of roadside hazards, the creation of clear zones, more passing lanes, more median barriers and more work to eliminate crash blackspots.

"Had fatality rates remained at 1990 levels, traffic growth would have pushed annual deaths up from 729 in 1990 to an estimated 900 last year, instead of the record low of 404.

"Just as new measures were needed years ago to get us where we are today, new measures are needed now to take us where we want to be in 2010."

Herald Feature: Cutting the road toll