DRIVERS’ heads were turned at the sight of a speed laser device pointing in their direction last week.

ACC hopes data gained from its speed laser initiatives will result in better driving. Times photo Wayne Martin.
ACC hopes data gained from its speed laser initiatives will result in better driving. Times photo Wayne Martin.
Two traffic surveyors were seen in a private car around Botany Downs and East Tamaki at various times.

The duo, sitting in a grey and black, two-door Honda City, uses a laser to measure the speed of oncoming cars.

The Times was approached by several motorists, whose attention was drawn to the vehicle.

After various public agencies, including police and the city council disowned the car, Accident Compensation Corporation owned up.

ACC’s Laurie Edwards says the device is being used for data collection, from which the corporation will target injury prevention initiatives.

“It’s not about individuals but how many cars there are on a section of road, how fast are they going, what proportion are over the speed limit.”

Mr Edwards says ACC runs similar initiatives nationwide, collecting data in various suburbs.

“We use information to help decide what areas we’re going to target for our injury prevention work and what sort may work best in that area.”

For example, ACC digital speed signs telling motorists their speeds may be an option for an injury prevention campaign.

“With the data we collect, we can decide whether we put up one of those or some billboards, or do some work at the local community centre.

“Basically we decide the best way to talk to people about reducing speed.”

He says staff can spend a few days collecting raw data, which is then analysed. It’s not about law enforcement and ACC doesn’t collect registration numbers.

Mr Edwards says ACC received 3000 road-related claims in the Auckland area last year, costing $60 million. They involved moderate to serious injuries and speed laser data collection is one method ACC hopes will curb the numbers.