How fixed camera locations are chosen

Fixed speed and red light camera locations are determined by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), in consultation with SA Police (SAPOL). The camera site selection criteria aims to improve safety by enforcing speed limits and compliance with traffic signals at high-risk locations and also, through deployment widely across the network, to act as a more general deterrent.

Selecting a fixed camera site involves a four-stage process:

1
Identification
Potential camera location identified by:
  • Crash statistics
  • Driver behaviour
  • Presence of vulnerable road users
  • Lack of alternative road safety treatment to mitigate hazard
2
Investigation
Location investigated by DIT and SAPOL to determine:
  • Proximity to other cameras
  • Suitable infrastructure
  • Appropriate camera type
3
Implementation
Once location is approved:
  • Camera installed and tested by DIT
  • SAPOL commissions and determines operational start date
4
Notification
Public notified of new camera location

Higher priority is given to the following situations, depending on the type of fixed camera being installed:

  • Sites with a high number of crashes in the past five years, with greater weighting for more severe crashes and those involving pedestrians
  • Sites with more right angle and right turn crashes
  • Roads with a greater number of lanes in both directions
  • Higher speed zones
  • Roads with higher traffic volumes
  • Roads frequented by heavy vehicles
  • Presence of crossings (e.g rail crossings)
  • Presence of schools

Before a new fixed camera becomes operational, testing is carried out to ensure that the infrastructure, technology and processing complies with all legislative requirements.

A fixed camera will only become operational after rigorous testing has been completed.

Report speeding or red light running How mobile camera locations are chosen

Government of South Australia