Red-light cameras make $$$

**JimBob** · 12th March 2008, 06:37

"Ken Baguley denied last night that his idea would amount to road tolls, saying it would be aimed purely at easing traffic congestion rather than raising revenue"

Now we know. As if we didnt already. The softening up process has begun before the camera trial has even started.
The red light cameras that are to be trialled in Auckland will be able to be used to ease congestion.
thats right, using the number-plate recognition technology the cameras come with, the beaurocrats see $$$$$$.
To 'help us' they will set the cameras up in congested areas, get your plate number and send you a bill for the privilege of being stuck in traffic.
But we only have 10 cameras, I know, we can rotate one camera through the intersections so it "looks" like there a lots of red light cameras and the other nine can go on "congestion" duty
So if we want red light runners sorted out we have to agree to tolls.
They cant help themselves can they.

**Gubb** · 12th March 2008, 06:52

When you say Congestion duty, you mean people entering blocked intersections?

Good. that fucks me off, particularly when they enter blocked intersections, the lights change, then the traffic on the other road can't get past due to said fuckwit. Sounds good to me.

**TripleZee Dyno** · 12th March 2008, 07:04

Originally Posted by Hubba Gubba

When you say Congestion duty, you mean people entering blocked intersections?

Good. that fucks me off, particularly when they enter blocked intersections, the lights change, then the traffic on the other road can't get past due to said fuckwit. Sounds good to me.

I think the idea is to put a toll on certain roads, (but call it something else)
There is probably a law against blocking an intersection so if caught you can argue the point. Not cost effective for the council.
A toll on the other hand is a straightforward entry fee. Like buying a ticket to the movies. You pay your money and you can go down this road.

**Edbear** · 12th March 2008, 07:23

HAs anyone considered the carnage caused by the increasing number of red-light runners?

These drivers are a menace and I have absolutely no sympathy for anyone caught running a red light. I agree with the poster who mentioned jamming intersections by those too impatient to wait.

Yes, traffic is diabolical in Auckland and it's a major frustration trying to get anywhere if you're even a little bit in a hurry, but running red-lights is arrogantly dangerous!

**WRT** · 12th March 2008, 07:27

I think this is what JimBob is referring to:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/stor...ectid=10497567

Basically, the plan to put tolls in place on key congested roads such as Grafton Bridge, similar to how London has their congestion charges. It will be using the same numberplate recognition technology in use with the 10 new redlight cameras. One of these cameras is already at the end of the Grafton bridge, on the Symonds St end. However, as it's looking up Symonds St, I don't see how they could use it to recognise the plates of vehicles entering the bridge, as traffic coming from K'Rd would be side on to the camera and the plates would be very difficult to read from there.

**WRT** · 12th March 2008, 07:35

Originally Posted by Edbear

Yes, traffic is diabolical in Auckland and it's a major frustration trying to get anywhere if you're even a little bit in a hurry, but running red-lights is arrogantly dangerous!

Fully agree, blocking the intersections is appalling, and running the red at speed is even worse. Particularly as a motorcyclist, after lane splitting to the front of the queue you are expected (and obliged) to take off quickly. I've had a few occasions where I've spotted a red light runner and had to wait before going, when the cars next to me haven't spotted him and actually started to pull out into the intersection. Puts the shits right up me.

I've also noticed that a lot of scooter riders don't check before going on a green either. These are normally the ones that are riding without proper safety gear - they seem to have no idea of their own mortality.

I always check before going on a green, and if there is a red light runner, I will rev the bike and inch forward while turning my helmet to watch the red light runner, to let the cars know that I'm intending to go, just as soon as the way is clear. Seems to work, people generally get the idea. Otherwise, the car drivers seem to spend more time watching me, not watching the intersection. Last thing I want is for them to push past me and cause a crash with me right in the middle of it all.

**Edbear** · 12th March 2008, 07:39

Originally Posted by WRT

I think this is what JimBob is referring to:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/stor...ectid=10497567

Basically, the plan to put tolls in place on key congested roads such as Grafton Bridge, similar to how London has their congestion charges. It will be using the same numberplate recognition technology in use with the 10 new redlight cameras. One of these cameras is already at the end of the Grafton bridge, on the Symonds St end. However, as it's looking up Symonds St, I don't see how they could use it to recognise the plates of vehicles entering the bridge, as traffic coming from K'Rd would be side on to the camera and the plates would be very difficult to read from there.

Ahah, slightly different from what I thought the original post was about. Thanks for clearing that up! With Auckland becoming as bad as London for congestion, I can see the pollies seeing a lucrative way of addressing the issue...

**avgas** · 12th March 2008, 08:01

A toll on non-highways in NZ. Great what next some kind of road tax included in our petrol? wait hang on.....

**Swoop** · 12th March 2008, 09:50

Originally Posted by JimBob

The red light cameras that are to be trialled in Auckland will be able to be used to ease congestion.
thats right, using the number-plate recognition technology the cameras come with, the beaurocrats see $$$$$$.
So if we want red light runners sorted out we have to agree to tolls.
They cant help themselves can they.

Attacking red light runners gets my support.
Also, if people cannot get the concept of "do not enter an intersection if your way out is blocked" too f-ing bad.

As I've said before, armed enforcement on intersections (at complete random). Run the red = BANG!
Watch RL running cease overnight.

**Big Dave** · 12th March 2008, 10:06

Personally I think this is great news.

Watch yourselves when you stop when they do come in - move right to one side of the lane - but I'll be cheering as all the dickwits that charge through are photographed.

**crazybigal** · 12th March 2008, 10:10

and ping you if your rego is not uptodate!
the cops in the UK have in car cameras that can detect your plate number and process it to see if your road tax is overdue!
The joy of it all!!!

**vifferman** · 12th March 2008, 10:11

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Personally I think this is great news.

Me too!

I've taken to pausing when the lights at the end of our street go green, because so many fwits run them. It's obvious there's a lot of twunts around there who decide before they come to a light that they're going through, no matter what.
Time for my idea of "pop-up on red" road spikes to be introduced, I reckon.

**Mikkel** · 12th March 2008, 10:43

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Personally I think this is great news.

Watch yourselves when you stop when they do come in - move right to one side of the lane - but I'll be cheering as all the dickwits that charge through are photographed.

Hell yes, about time something is done about this problem. And they should chuck some demerit points after the offense of running the red light as well - about 50 of them would be suitable!

I am tempted to have someone buy me a new rear bumper for my car... So unless I'm in a hurry I'll brake for yellow when I can!

Originally Posted by crazybigal

and ping you if your rego is not uptodate!

See now we're talking. The number of unregistered vehicles on the roads in NZ is a big problem as well. If you don't agree think about who's likely to do a hit'n'run and who's likely to do a hit and stay?
Besides, I think it's fair to expect people to keep their vehicles in a decent condition - and no rego without WOF goes some way to ensure this.

**Ixion** · 12th March 2008, 10:54

Folks, this proposal is NOTHING to do with catching red light runners. It is solely about being able to send you a bill for using certain roads. Road tolling.

**Mikkel** · 12th March 2008, 11:03

Originally Posted by Ixion

Folks, this proposal is NOTHING to do with catching red light runners. It is solely about being able to send you a bill for using certain roads. Road tolling.

Well, I'd rather pay some money and not have to share the road with red-light runners than being able to share it with them for free.