Scott Aronsen has criticised the installation of new speed safety cameras along State Highway 8 between Lake Tekapo and Twizel, arguing the devices are more focused on collecting fines than preventing crashes.
In a report on state-funded media, Aronsen said the region’s main road safety problems stem from limited passing opportunities, narrow shoulders, inadequate rest areas and intersection issues rather than speeding, while also raising concerns about the amount of vehicle information captured by the cameras.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) defended the cameras, saying speed surveys showed 19 percent of motorists exceeded the limit on the route and that similar systems had significantly improved compliance elsewhere.
The agency confirmed the cameras photograph every passing vehicle but said only speeding-related data is retained, with non-offending images deleted after three days. The debate comes as NZTA rolls out a $5 million safety upgrade programme in the Mackenzie district, including new passing lanes, pull-over areas, road widening and additional signage aimed at reducing crashes involving tourists and local drivers alike.
