44 Bowen Street
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
T 64 4 894 5400
F 64 4 894 6100
www.nzta.govt.nz
18 March 2024
Adam Parkinson
[FYI request #25849 email]
REF: OIA-14765
Dear Adam
Request made under the Official Information Act 1982
Thank you for your email
of 23 February 2024 requesting the following information regarding an
engine braking noise camera trial under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). I will respond to
each part of your request in turn as follows:
1. Did the trial take place?
Yes, the trial was undertaken in Tauranga from late 2013 to mid-2014.
2. Can you advise on the results of this trial
Findings from the trial are summarised in a leaflet which is available on the NZ Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi (NZTA) website at https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/Highways-Information-
Portal/Technical-disciplines/Noise-and-vibration/Research-and-information/Leaflets/NZTA-truck-
engine-braking-Noise-camera-v1.0.pdf.
3. What further actions took place by Waka Kotahi after this trial
Following the trial, camera deployments occurred around New Zealand from 2014 to 2020. In 2017 a
second engine-braking noise camera was purchased. During 2018 and 2019 a bespoke engine-
braking noise camera system was commissioned by NZTA and 8 additional detectors were deployed.
To date, engine-braking detecting noise cameras have been deployed in Northland, Auckland,
Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and South Canterbury.
4. Were any cameras rolled out in NZ after this trial.
Many deployments have occurred as described. Each deployment usually lasts for several months
and there are no permanent deployments. The cameras also do not issue tickets or produce evidence
for enforcement; rather, they identify noise that could be engine-braking and capture the registration
plate of the vehicle that could be the source. This information can then be used for public
engagement, research or to liaise with truck operators.
5. What was the budget for this trial.
The trial in Tauranga incurred external costs of approximately $100,000 for the development and
procurement of the camera and processing software, as well as installation and review of data over
the 32 weeks of the camera operation. In addition to external costs, there was staff time from various
NZTA employees.
NZTA also maintains a list of frequently asked questions about noise and vibration which is available
on our website at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/highways-information-portal/technical-
disciplines/environment-and-sustainability-in-our-operations/environmental-technical-areas/noise-and-
vibration/frequently-asked-questions/.
In line with Waka Kotahi policy, this response will soon be published on our website, with personal
information removed.
If you would like to discuss this reply with NZTA, please contact us by email to
[NZTA request email].
Yours sincerely
Dylan Hunt
Senior Manager, Safer Commercial Transport
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