Putting the foot down

They say there are lies, damned lies and statistics - and people around one of the country's busiest speed camera are inclined to agree.

According to the Transport Ministry, the number of injury crashes around the fixed camera on Great South Rd in Otahuhu, Auckland, more than halved after it was installed in 1996. There were 60 in the five years beforehand and 23 in the five years after.

But people who live and work nearby, including Roy Garmson, said it had done nothing to slow some drivers familiar with the camera's position.

"As soon as they get past it they boot it," said Garmson.

More than 7000 speeding drivers were snapped by the camera last year, including resident Peter McKay.

"I pulled out of the driveway and accelerated too fast, so knowing it's there doesn't stop you."

During the Herald on Sunday's visit, two cars crashed just a few hundred metres from the camera.