Speed cameras still not working | Bay of Plenty Cars | 4WD, Green Cars and Motorcycling in Bay of Plenty

The Western Bay of Plenty has been without fixed speed cameras for more than 18 months, despite plans to install new models six months ago.

The existing camera boxes on Fraser St in Merivale, Maunganui Rd and State Highway 2 at Te Puke have been empty since 2010, as the original technology grew out-of-date and the cost of repairs for the road sensors was too high.

Inspector Mark Stables at Police National Headquarters said the project was still in the consultation process "which can take a long time".

"What we are doing is a nationwide look at problem areas where there have been crashes involving excessive speed. Where are these things happening and what can be done about it? We are looking at what kind of resourcing we will need," Mr Stables said.

There have been recent crashes or near-misses in the Western Bay on State Highway 29, near Belk Rd, Welcome Bay Rd and SH2 just outside of Te Puke.

Because it was still "early days" Mr Stables was unable to say how many cameras were likely to be distributed through the Western Bay of Plenty, or when.

"What we are seeing is there are a few speed cameras where new problems have emerged and with some of the old ones, we are seeing there might not be any need for them anymore as engineering of the road has made it safer."

Tauranga City Council transportation operations manager Martin Parkes said the council had a lot of interest in where they would like new cameras.

"We get a lot of people writing to us or phoning us up saying they have a speed problem in their street and they would like a speed camera there," Mr Parkes said.

"So firstly we need to establish is there a problem to start with and is it the best use of quite expensive equipment."

Mr Parkes said Carmichael Rd, Moffat Rd, Ohauiti Rd, Papamoa Beach Rd and Dickson Rd often had requests for speed cameras.

The new digital cameras will be cheaper and more efficient for police staff. They will also not need sensors placed under the roadway to determine a car's placement or speed.