NZTA Waka Kotahi says it expects to activate the new average speed safety cameras on State Highway 2, east of Pōkeno in Waikato, from April 28.

And during May its planned to activate two sets of cameras in the Bay of Plenty: one set on SH5 just south of Rotorua, and one set on SH2 west of Matatā near Whakatāne.

Average speed safety cameras use automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology and measure how long it takes a vehicle to travel between two fixed camera locations along a road.

When a vehicle passes the first camera it records the time and then records the time again as it passes the second camera.  The system then calculates how long it took to travel between the cameras (the average speed) and if that average speed exceeds the speed limit, a fine will be issued.

Signs are positioned before the camera area, giving drivers time to check they are travelling at a legal speed.

On State Highway 2 east of Pōkeno, the camera locations are near the Rimu Road intersection, while the other is near the Mangatawhiri Road intersection. The speed limit on this section of SH2 is 90kph. NZTA says it expects to begin issuing fines to people speeding at this location from April 28.

Before the end of 2026 there are plans to construct and activate 17 average speed camera  locations across the country. The first three, at Matakana Rd (Warkworth) and two near Dairy Flat (Kahikatea Flat and Pine Valley] are already operational.

More info www.nzta.govt.nz/average-speed-safety-cameras