My Account
A new high-tech security surveillance system has been giving Snells Beach speeders a fright since it was installed last month, even though it is not a speed camera.
The double camera at the corner of Mahurangi East Road and Arabella Lane is fitted with an infrared ‘flash’ for easily picking up vehicle licence plates.
Its software automatically scans the image for plates and stores the information, providing police with a list of cars that have travelled past the corner for up to a month, says Insite Security director Chris Martin. That information can be wirelessly accessed if there is a report of crime in the area involving a vehicle.
“We are able to take advantage of the fact that there is a only one road into the Mahurangi Peninsula,” Chris says.
“The spot we have chosen is in a 50km zone on a twisty corner where drivers have to slow down, and their plate number can be easily captured.”
The second camera produces high resolution colour footage, so that police can zoom in on and identify a driver. The footage is wirelessly transmitted to an offsite recording facility and can also be accessed as a live stream by police and Insite Security.
The camera was entirely funded by the community, Snells Beach Residents and Ratepayers chairman Mark Dinniss says.
Snells Beach Gull and Northland Waste made substantial donations, Auckland Transport paid for traffic management and power, Brick Bay Wines for the broadband connection and Insite Security is providing the equipment, installation and maintenance at cost. Mark says the camera is a perfect deterrent against crimes such as ram raids or boats stolen on trailers.
“If you commit a crime, remember to smile,” he says.
