NZTA launches first mobile safety camera trailer to catch speeding drivers

New Zealand’s first mobile safety camera trailer is hitting the road, with the aim of reducing speeding and preventing serious crashes.

The trailer – equipped with multiple cameras and radar technology – will begin operating in Auckland from 17 September 2025, before being rolled out to other regions in the coming months.

This initiative is part of a major shift in how safety cameras are managed. Until recently, the New Zealand Police operated the country’s camera network. From 1 July 2025, responsibility for all safety cameras – fixed, mobile, red-light, and average speed – formally transferred to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). Police still issue infringement notices, but NZTA now oversees where and how cameras are deployed.

It’s the first time NZTA is introducing mobile trailers into the fleet, alongside the camera-equipped SUVs already in use nationwide. Both trailers and SUVs can detect speeding vehicles travelling towards or away from the camera, on either side of the road, during the day and at night.

How the mobile trailers work

The trailers function much like fixed speed cameras, but can be moved to different locations. They use radar to measure vehicle speed and capture images of those exceeding the legal limit. Each trailer is white, unbranded, and not signposted, but they will not be hidden from drivers.

Unlike SUVs, the trailers don’t require an operator on site, allowing them to remain in position for longer periods and in locations where it’s safer not to have staff present. All units are fitted with CCTV, alarms, and tracking systems and are monitored 24/7 to deter theft or vandalism.

Where and when they’ll operate

NZTA says both SUVs and trailers will be deployed “anytime and anywhere” across the country – from highways to local roads. Vehicles may be parked near other cars, behind barriers, or on slopes and gradients, but must remain legally parked and clearly visible.

Guidelines also set out how close mobile cameras can be to other enforcement points, overtaking lanes, and speed limit changes.

Why it matters

The introduction of mobile safety camera trailers is part of NZTA’s ongoing effort to curb speeding and improve road safety.

“Our aim is to reduce the number of people travelling over the speed limit and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash,” an NZTA spokesperson said.

Motorists travelling at or below the speed limit have nothing to worry about – but anyone caught speeding will face a fine.

More information about all safety cameras, including fixed camera locations, is available on the NZTA website: nzta.govt.nz/safety-cameras