FILE
More Rotorua drivers are being ticketed for speeding by police officers, with revenue from cameras on the decline.
From 2009 to the end of 2014, a total of $5,393,190 was collected from camera-issued speed infringements.
In the same five-year period, $3,545,610 has been collected from officer-issued infringements.
The rate of camera infringements is on the decline, however, having dropped from $1,266,720 in 2011 at its peak to $714,160 last year.
Officer-issued tickets increased from $565,670 to $689,110 in the same period.
Recently released police data shows how many offences and fines were issued across each police area in the past five years. The traffic offences included speeding, red-light infringements, restraints and using a mobile phone.
The increase in officer issued tickets correlates to a rise of 2196 fines.
National road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally said the infringement data reflected the most common high-risk driver behaviours that featured in fatal and serious crashes.
"That's why police, supported by its road safety partners, are continuing to focus on speeding, drink and drug-impaired driving, distraction and other risky behaviour on the roads," he said.
"Police does not retain any of the money collected from fines, all of which goes to the Government.
"Aside from the fact that it actually costs us money to issue and process infringements, we would be delighted if there was never another notice issued for these offences, as this would mean everyone was driving sober, at a safe speed, stopping where appropriate, wearing their seatbelt and not driving while distracted by their cellphone.
"Police also stress that our roads are only as safe as the people that use them.
"While the majority of motorists on our roads drive safely with consideration for others, it is the responsibility of every road user to do their part to keep themselves and others safe. Police cannot do this alone."
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.