The relative effectiveness of hidden versus visible speed cameras

Overtly-operated mobile speed cameras have been used in New Zealand since late 1993. Their operation has been confined to some 1,200 sites which are specific signed road sections with a record of speed-related crashes. A trial of hidden speed cameras took place between mid-1997 and mid-2000 in 100 km/h speed limit areas in one of New Zealand's four Police regions. Camera operation remained overt elsewhere. After the trial, camera operation in the trial area reverted to the previous overt system. This paper reports the results of an evaluation of the first two years of the trial. During the first two years, the hidden camera programme was found to be associated with net falls in speeds, crashes and casualties - both in speed camera areas and on 100 km/h speed limit roads generally - along with changes in public attitudes to speed and speed enforcement. Compared with the localised effect of visible cameras on speeds and crashes mainly in speed camera areas, the hidden cameras had a more general effect on all roads. These changes in speeds, crashes and casualties were identified in the trial area in comparison with a control area where generally highly visible speed camera enforcement continued to be used. Despite compelling evidence of changes in drivers' speeding behaviour, which was the ultimate objective of hiding the cameras, initial changes in public attitudes associated with the trial later reverted to pre-trial levels. The four-fold increase in speed camera tickets issued in the trial area was an expected consequence of hiding the cameras and as such, an integral part of the hidden camera programme.

• Authors:
  • Keall, M D
  • Povey, L J
  • Frith, W J
• Conference:
  • National Speed and Road Safety Conference, 2001, Adelaide, South Australia
• Publication Date: 2001

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 14p (Paper F3c)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Automated enforcement; Cameras; Crash rates; Evaluation; Highway safety; Injury rates; Speed; Speeding; Visibility
• Geographic Terms: New Zealand
• ATRI Terms: Attitude; Crash rate; Evaluation; Injury rate; Road safety; Speed; Speed camera; Speeding; Visibility
• Subject Areas: Security and Emergencies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01394187
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 10:04AM