In a significant shift, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has opened a tender to hand over the management of the country's 45 mobile speed cameras to private operators from next year. This move, the first of its kind, is part of a broader initiative to revamp the nation's traffic enforcement strategy.
Unlike the traditional setup where police issue speeding tickets, the winning private operator will not be responsible for penalizing drivers or receiving bonuses based on the number of violations. Instead, NZTA will retain control over processing images, issuing fines, and determining the placement of cameras.
The tender emphasizes that the chosen provider must demonstrate the ability to meet evolving requirements, potentially including point-to-point mobile operations. This initiative aligns with NZTA's broader plan to take over all mobile and fixed speed cameras from the police by July 2025, with an additional 50 fixed cameras slated to be added soon.
While the overall goal remains focused on enhancing road safety, the private operators will not receive any funds from mobile cameras.
All fees collected will contribute to the Government consolidated fund. The tender specifically addresses spot speed tickets, emphasizing the use of unbranded vehicles and staff from the private company.
Internationally, the involvement of third-party operators in delivering roadside mobile camera operations is a well-established practice, according to NZTA.
The move aims to leverage private expertise for more efficient operations.
The footage captured by these mobile cameras will be transmitted to data centres in Sydney, run by Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, and retained for 30 days while NZTA assesses it. However, the agency has been cautioned to manage risks concerning public trust and confidence in the system, highlighting the importance of safeguarding personal data.
A noteworthy aspect of the tender is its potential expansion beyond speed-limit breaches. Bidders are expected to showcase capabilities in detecting individuals without seatbelts and drivers using mobile phones. The winning bidder must also have a proven track record in a comparable market, such as Australia, Europe, or the US, and be ready to set up operations in New Zealand by January.
While the tender places a small weight on broader benefits, such as job creation in New Zealand, it underscores the need for a high degree of evidential accuracy, assurance, and effective cybersecurity. The selected provider will undergo monitoring and auditing, with a focus on ensuring the safety of mobile camera operators.
This signifies a strategic shift in New Zealand's approach to traffic enforcement, emphasizing efficiency, technological advancements, and a collaborative effort between public and private entities. As the country looks to modernize its traffic management systems, this development could set a precedent for similar initiatives globally.
