Speed radar 'drones' not used in SC

Newly revealed drone radar units – used to activate radar detectors in cars – have been used "on the quiet" for three years, though are not thought to have appeared in South Canterbury.

The ACC and police said yesterday that 70 drone units were in use around the country after their inception in Christchurch.

The devices sent out signals to make the estimated 10 per cent of drivers with radar detectors believe a speed-detecting police car was in the area and prompted them to slow down.

South Canterbury Road Safety co-ordinator Daniel Naude said he wasn't aware of the units being used in the South Canterbury area, though said he would have welcomed them.

The closest example was speed display signs which would trigger some radar detectors, Mr Naude said.

"My aim is to reduce road trauma and we know speeding is an issue and causes severe injuries and death. [Drones are] a very inventive way to get around the issue because radar detectors are legal here."

Central Christchurch area commander Inspector Derek Erasmus, the former Canterbury road policing manager, said the drones were developed in Christchurch by an inter-agency traffic safety group in 2007.

The units are funded by the ACC and installed by councils in consultation with police and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Mr Erasmus said the drones affected the "top end" of speedsters who showed their propensity for speed by having radar detectors.

However, the number and location of the devices would not be released by the Christchurch City Council because it "would defeat the aim, which is to reduce speeding".

ACC injury-prevention unit project manager Phil Wright said testing had shown the drones reduced average speeds by 1 to 2 per cent, despite acting on only 10 per cent of drivers.

A six-month Canterbury experiment in 2007 was successful and other councils asked to have the same technology, so the ACC formulated a national policy, he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News