Ashton 15 2080 Speed enforcement policy Speed camera enforcement chapter.pdf

Speed camera enforcement

Version : 10.0
Detailed table of contents
This chapter contains the following topics:
Summary
•  Introduction
•  Roles and Responsibilities
Speed enforcement
•  Speed camera enforcement equipment
−  Who can use speed camera enforcement equipment?
−  Approved vehicle surveillance equipment
−  Certification standards
−  Speed camera equipment certificates of accuracy
−  Evidential sufficiency of AVSE image
•  Speeding offences
−  Liability for moving vehicle offences
−  Defences against proceedings
Speed camera site selection and approval
•  Process
•  Mobile speed camera sites
•  Static speed cameras
•  Static speed camera sites
Mobile speed camera deployment
School zone mobile speed camera areas
•  School zone overview
•  School zone site selection
•  School zone speed enforcement
•  Speed camera vehicle deployment standard
Speed camera deployment data and images
•  Static speed cameras
−  Static camera incident control number (ICN)
−  Static camera data disk
−  Processing static camera images
•  Mobile speed cameras
−  Mobile speed camera DVDs
−  Mobile camera incident control number (ICN)
−  Processing DVD images
This is an uncontrolled document printed for reference only.
The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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Summary
This section contains the following topics:
•  Introduction
•  Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction
Excessive speed is a key cause of road trauma in New Zealand, and a major factor in the
severity of crashes. Speed enforcement aimed at changing driver behaviour on the road
network has been proven to be effective.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) statistics indicate that speed contributed to 35
percent of fatal crashes and 16 percent of injury crashes in 2010. In 2010, 131 people
died, 500 were seriously injured and 1,793 received minor injuries in crashes where
speed was a contributing factor. The social cost of these crashes was about $825 million.

In response to these statistics, Police works with key road safety partners and
communities to reduce vehicle speeds. Police work strategically with the National Road
Safety Committee (NRSC) and at a district, Territorial Local Authority, or area level
through the development of Road Safety Action plans. All these groups run speed
management operations, of which speed camera operation is a part.

This chapter describes the Speed Camera Enforcement policy managed by Police
Calibration Services (PCS) in conjunction with District Road Policing Managers (RPM). It
also summarises the legislation relating to the use of cameras, and applies to all Police
employees, hereafter referred to as employees.

Refer to the ‘Speed enforcement’ chapter for use of Police vehicle speedometers and
radar/laser equipment.

Read the New Zealand Police Speed Enforcement Equipment training material for specific
speed camera operation procedures.

Roles and Responsibilities
Roles
Responsible for ensuring
District Commander
•  this policy is implemented in their district
(or their delegated
•  employees are trained to use the relevant speed camera
representative)
enforcement equipment
•  all speed enforcement equipment used has a current and
valid certificate of accuracy
•  all reasonable measures are taken to ensure the equipment
is well looked after
•  any speed enforcement equipment that is lost or damaged,
(not considered to be normal operational wear or usage) is
replaced or repaired
•  speed camera site applications are reviewed and approved
before forwarding to the PCS
•  breaches of this policy are reported to the National Manager:
Road Policing.
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The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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National Manager:
•  all speed camera equipment is approved and certified before
Road Policing
deployment
•  that Police Calibration Services (PCS) regularly test and re-
certify speed camera equipment
•  districts are supported with their speed enforcement
programmes as appropriate
•  audit compliance with this policy.
Police Infringement
•  images are verified before notices are issued
Bureau
•  notice explanations are adjudicated in a fair and consistent
manner
•  store the original copy of all deployment register sheets.
Police Calibration
•  all speed camera operators are trained
Services
•  all speed camera operator training records maintained
•  appropriate speed camera sites are approved
•  all speed cameras and speed camera sites are maintained by
an external service agency
•  all speed camera certificates of accuracy are retained
•  copies of speed camera certificates of accuracy are supplied
for disclosure
•  all mobile and static speed cameras are regularly calibrated
with not more than 12 months between certification
•  annual inspection and certification of static camera sites.
Road Policing
•  that the speed camera enforcement programme is
Performance &
continually monitored.
Reporting team
Speed Camera
•  compliance with this policy
Operators
•  compliance with speed camera deployment and health and
safety procedures
•  daily operating checks and deployment registers are
completed and sent to PIB daily
•  reporting all equipment faults to the PCS.
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The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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Speed enforcement
This section contains the following topics:
•  Speed camera enforcement equipment
−  Who can use speed camera enforcement equipment?
−  Approved vehicle surveillance equipment
−  Certification standards
−  Speed camera equipment certificates of accuracy
−  Evidential sufficiency of AVSE image
•  Speeding offences
−  Liability for moving vehicle offences
−  Defences against proceedings

Proactive speed enforcement to change road user behaviour is the most effective
enforcement activity, due to its wide deterrent effects, to reduce vehicle speeds.

Police must consistently enforce speed limits to:
•  reduce mean speeds and influence a reduction in road trauma
•  ensure Police actions are fair and transparent
•  provide motorists with a certainty of outcome should they exceed speed limits.

Speed camera enforcement equipment

Who can use speed camera enforcement equipment?
Only employees trained and certified to operate the relevant speed camera equipment
may operationally deploy such equipment and only from Police owned or operated
vehicles.

Approved vehicle surveillance equipment
The Land Transport Act 1998 (LTA) provides the legal framework for ‘speed cameras’ by
defining approved vehicle surveillance equipment (AVSE) that can detect moving vehicle
offences.

Only ‘AVSE’ approved by the Minister of Police, by way of a notice in the New Zealand
Gazette, can be used to enforce speeding offences.

There are three approved AVSE speed camera devices in New Zealand. The Gazetted
Land Transport (Approved Vehicle Surveillance Equipment) Notices are shown in this
table.
Publication Approving
1994 – SR 1994/202  •  AutoPatrol PR-100NZ (The now superseded model of radar
based mobile camera)
•  AutoPatrol SP-200 (Our current static or pole mounted
speed camera)
(No 2) 2008
•  REDFLEXradarcam camera system (the current mobile radar
SR 2008/447
based speed camera system)
•
SR 2011 200
•  NZREDFLEXdual-radar static camera system

Certification standards
Testing and issuing of Speed Camera and Tuning Fork Certificates of Accuracy is covered
by section 146 of the LTA. This requires that the Certificate of Accuracy must not have
been issued more than 12 months prior to the date of the alleged offence.

This testing and calibration includes:
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•  mobile and static speed cameras;
•  static speed camera sites; and
•  tuning forks.

Note: Speed cameras must be recalibrated, and new certificates issued whenever they
have been repaired. Any speed enforcement equipment without a current Certificate of
Accuracy must not be used for speed enforcement purposes.

Speed camera equipment certificates of accuracy
PCS calibrates all speed camera equipment.

PCS advises districts when their speed camera equipment is due for calibration, and
holds the original certificates of accuracy for every camera and tuning fork. A copy of the
calibration certificate must be kept at the district to which the equipment has been
assigned.

However, the absence of a current certificate may not jeopardise a prosecution, as long
as a Police witness can give evidence that the testing was carried out and the equipment
was found to be accurate.

Note: Where the accuracy of the device is in question the defendant must make an
application not less than 14 days prior to the hearing, for the production of the certificate
of accuracy (section 146 of the LTA).

Evidential sufficiency of AVSE image
Section 145 of the LTA covers the evidential sufficiency of a moving vehicle image taken
by AVSE and particularly shows or records:
•  a motor vehicle on a road, and
•  the speed at which the vehicle was moving, and
•  the date and time the image was taken, and
•  the location of the vehicle.

In the absence of proof to the contrary, this is sufficient to be produced in evidence for a
moving vehicle offence.

Note: Section 55 of the LTA makes it an offence to tamper or interfere with AVSE, or the
operation of AVSE.

Speeding offences

Liability for moving vehicle offences
Section 133 of the LTA shows proceedings may be taken against any person who, at the
time of the offence, was:
•  the person allegedly committing the offence; and/or
•  the registered owner or one of the owners of the vehicle involved; or
•  lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle, whether jointly owned or not regardless
of whether that person is an individual, or was the driver or person in charge of the
vehicle at the time.

Defences against proceedings
It is a defence to proceedings under section 133 of the LTA that at the time the offence
was committed:
•  the person was not lawfully entitled to possession of the vehicle, whether jointly
owned or not; or
•  another person was driving the vehicle; and
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•  immediately after becoming aware of the alleged offence, the person advises the
enforcement authority in writing of these things, and
•  the person gives the enforcement authority a statutory declaration:
-  identifying the driver, by giving name and address or
-  other particulars that may lead to identification, or
-  establishing that they could not identify the driver, after taking all reasonable steps
to do so.
This is an uncontrolled document printed for reference only.
The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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Speed camera site selection and approval
This section contains the following topics:
•  Process
•  Mobile speed camera sites
•  Static speed cameras
•  Static speed camera sites

Speed cameras may only be used at approved sites which are selected to:
•  reduce fatal and serious crashes caused by speed; and
•  reduce the incidences of speeding.

Process
This table shows the process steps to select and seek approval for both mobile and static
speed cameras sites.
Stage Process
1
Potential speed camera sites are selected on the basis of a speed-related
problem identified from the community, NZTA, or within Police.

Speed camera site information will be provided on request by the NZTA and
may include a map overlaid with the number of speed related crashes over a
specified section of road, usually over the previous five years.

This information may be used to support the instigation of a site where speed
related crashes are the main problem targeted.

Other factors that may be taken into account for site selection may include:
•  local knowledge of unreported accidents
•  public complaints
•  speed offending levels in the area
•  any other relevant factor.
2
The District Commander or their nominee must consult with:
•  NZTA
•  Road Controlling Authority
•  Territorial Local Authority
•  NZ Automobile Association
•  Transit New Zealand;

and may consult with community groups such as:
•  Road Transport Associations
•  local Iwi or Hapu
•  School representatives
•  Road Safety Committees
•  Commerce Groups
•  Area Health Boards
•  any interested party.

The consultative group may also consider whether the objectives can be met
by other means such as traffic engineering.
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The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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3
When selecting a speed camera site, selection consideration must be given to:
•  site definition, ensuring a single named roadway
•  Readily identifiable location site commencement and end points
•  the objectives to be achieved – such as reducing the number of crashes
and/or speed at the site
•  engineering improvements taken or proposed
•  whether the posted speed limit is lawful
•  a synopsis of evidence to support the site – such as the number of speed
related crashes, traffic analysis data, or number of public complaints.
4
Complete the Speed Camera Site Selection form or the Speed Camera Site
Selection - School Zone form and submit to the RPM for review. The RPM, if in
agreement, will forward to PCS for site approval. These forms are available
from the Road Policing section of Police forms in Microsoft® Word.
5
The Manager, PCS will review the proposed speed camera sites, based on the
submitted form, and advise the District Road Policing Manager of the
outcome.

Note: Copies of Speed Camera Site Selection form should be held within
district and the original at the PCS to ensure traceability.
6
Arrange regular speed camera site reviews by the speed camera operator to
identify changing vehicle and site dynamics. A five yearly review is considered
minimum.

Note: The main reason for rejection of a nominated site is that the site boundary
descriptions are inadequate. These need to be clearly identifiable (preferably on a map)
and fixed. If we can find it on a map and it is not too large most sites easily meet the
PCS approval process.

Mobile speed camera sites
A mobile speed camera is located in a Police vehicle that can be moved to any approved
speed camera site.

Mobile sites should be no longer than 5km in rural areas, or three blocks in urban areas.
Mobile sites may be adjoining, but each must be selected independently.

Static speed cameras
A static speed camera is a permanent pole installation at an approved speed camera
site. The installation may or may not contain an active camera. Static cameras can
detect vehicle speed by use of radar, laser or by piezo-electric strip and/or loop in the
road.

Static speed camera sites
A static speed camera site will be in a defined area (three blocks) with the size
dependent on the number of lanes being monitored.

Static sites must:
•  have a short fixed location
•  be suitable for and have a 230 volt power supply.

Static sites should:
•  be visible and close to people or dwellings
•  enable camera operators or service agents, when access is required, to park close by,
legally and safely.

It must be established that the:
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•  proposed site will not be subject to planned engineering changes within the next two
years.
•  power authority can supply the proposed site with a 230-volt AC power supply. The
proximity of other services must be identified from the TLA or road controlling
authority to identify potential installation problems. Installation is not the time to
discover the proximity of telephone, or other services.
This is an uncontrolled document printed for reference only.
The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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Mobile speed camera deployment
Vehicle deployment procedures
A mobile speed camera vehicle must be deployed in the following manner.
1
Speed camera vehicles must be legally parked.
2
Speed camera vehicles must be deployed in a manner that is visible from the
roadside and are prohibited from being deployed in a hidden fashion.
3
The position in which the speed camera vehicle is parked must, so far as is
practicable, be at the optimal distance from the normal traffic lanes to ensure the
safety of the operator and best quality photography, i.e. about one and one half
lane widths away from the normal path of vehicles.
4
When the speed camera is being deployed, on a roadway, the speed camera
vehicle tailgate must either be fully extended or closed.
5
The use of private land for the parking of speed camera vehicles is permitted where
the occupier of the land has clearly given permission for such use.
6
The speed camera vehicle must be parked on a straight section of road so that the
operator has adequate reference points for aligning the camera. This ensures that
any vehicle, which is being measured and/or photographed, is travelling on a
straight section of road at that time.
7
Where a speed camera is deployed in an area where drivers are making the
transition from a higher speed limit to a lower speed limit the speed camera vehicle
must not be positioned closer than 250 (two hundred and fifty) metres from the
point where the speed limit reduces. This restriction does not apply within School
Zones or Temporary Speed limit sites.
8
A speed camera must not be deployed within 250 (two hundred and fifty) metres
of the finish of any passing lane.
9
In any situation where a camera is operational at a site, a second camera must not
be deployed in the same site or in any other site adjoining the first.
10  Where a speed camera is deployed in a school zone speed camera site, it must only
be operated in the following circumstances:
•  between the hours of 0730Hrs to 1800 hrs on a school day; or
•  at any other time that a school activity occurs, this includes sports activities held
at school grounds.
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The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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School zone mobile speed camera areas
This section contains the following topics:
•  School zone overview
•  School zone site selection
•  School zone speed enforcement
•  Speed camera vehicle deployment standard

School zone overview
A school zone is designated as a single named road, no more than 250m metres from
the school boundary, on which any direct school access exists. Early childhood centres
can be ‘zoned’ if a road sign identifies where the centre is.

Speed cameras can be deployed in school zones between the hours of 0730 and 1800 on
any school day or any other time there is a school activity or event. This may include
sports activities and any other school function.

School zone site selection
Districts must complete the Speed Camera Site Selection form - School Zone for each
school site that requires attention.

Sites will be approved under the provisions of the SPEED KILLS KIDS campaign
initiative and consequently, sites do not require a history of speed related crashes.

These sites, identified through specific site codes, will automatically have the lower
tolerance applied when deployed. Any ensuing notices must include reference to the
school concerned.

School zone speed enforcement
The speed camera tolerance in a school zone is 4 km/h.

Speed camera vehicle deployment standard
Refer to the mobile speed camera deployment section.
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Speed camera deployment data and images
This section contains the following topics:
•  Static speed cameras
−  Static camera incident control number (ICN)
−  Static camera data disk
−  Processing static camera images
•  Mobile speed cameras
−  Mobile speed camera DVDs
−  Mobile camera incident control number (ICN)
−  Processing DVD images

To avoid undue delay in instituting proceedings, ensure that all wet film magazines or
DVDs are dispatched for processing no later than five days after the first image is
recorded.

Static speed cameras
The SP-200 static speed camera only uses ‘wet’ film.

Static camera incident control number (ICN)
Every image is identified by a nine digit incident control number (ICN) that is generated
at the same time as the image and incorporated into it. The ICN comprises a six digit
wet film roll number and three digit frame identifier. This numbering system enables
every image to be traced. See example below.

The integrity of the speed camera programme is maintained by the ICN accuracy.

Static camera data disk
Statistical data gathered during the deployment is stored on a 1.44 MB (3.5”) floppy
disk, which shares the six digit film roll number.

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The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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Processing static camera images
Send all film magazines (with its’ floppy disk) direct to the processing company in the
supplied pelican case, utilising the supplied address and courier labels.

Mobile speed cameras
Mobile speed cameras only use digital media.

Mobile speed camera DVDs
Mobile speed cameras record images and statistical deployment data onto a DVD.

Mobile camera incident control number (ICN)
Every image is identified by a nine digit incident control number (ICN) that is generated
at the same time as the image and incorporated into it. The ICN comprises a six digit
DVD number and a three digit frame identifier. See example below.

Processing DVD images
Send the DVD to the Police Infringement Bureau, PO Box 9147, Wellington, Attention:
O/C Systems Section.
This is an uncontrolled document printed for reference only.
The controlled document can be found in the Police Instructions site which is accessible via the New Zealand Police Intranet.

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