So new portable speed cameras are being deployed across the country as we battle our rising road death toll.
Minister for Public Transport Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau made the announcement in Parliament recently.
This is not a luxury, he said, pointing out it was a necessary response to what he terms the alarming rate of road deaths, particularly those caused by speeding.
As of August 4 this year, 39 lives have already been lost on our roads, with a staggering 23 of those deaths linked directly to speeding.
In 2023, the toll was even more devastating, with 77 fatalities, 34 of them caused by speeding.
The Government’s move to introduce portable speed cameras, in addition to the 14 fixed cameras already rotated across 31 sites, is a necessary step.
We learn that the aim is to introduce an element of unpredictability that discourages drivers from only obeying speed limits when they know a camera is present.
So we know that portable cameras will target high-risk areas and respond to public complaints.
“This element of unpredictability encourages more consistent compliance rather than conditional obedience,” Ro Filipe said.
Let’s face it though.
The deployment of technology is only one part of the solution.
Let’s not fall into the trap of believing that speed cameras alone will save lives.
They are tools encouraging responsible behaviour on the roads.
In saying that, the real power to reduce road deaths lies in the hands of every road user.
We have to admit that cameras can catch a speeding driver, but they cannot stop someone from driving under the influence, ignoring a pedestrian crossing, or overtaking recklessly.
That is a responsibility we must embrace.
The rise in deaths linked to speeding is troubling.
We have always said this: Speed limits exist for a reason, to protect road users.
When speed is involved, the margin for error disappears quickly.
One moment of distraction or one poor decision can lead to a lifetime of regret, or worse, the loss of life.
And we also say this quite a lot … every year we have campaigns that touch on road safety.
Yet, despite repeated awareness campaigns, fines, and road safety tips, too many of us continue to treat road rules as suggestions rather than laws designed to keep us safe.
Road safety requires a shift in mind-set.
We need to rebuild a culture of responsibility on our roads.
We need to respect the rules, place value on human life, and put safety above speed.
We must stop relying on the Government or the Land Transport Authority to solve this issue for us. Common sense should be our first line of defence.
Surely, we don’t need a speed camera or police presence to remind us to drive safely.
We must take ownership of our behaviour behind the wheel and hold ourselves accountable.
Let’s not wait for another tragic accident to hit the headlines.
Let’s work together to bring our road toll numbers down.
This is not just about cameras.
It’s about us!