NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi expects to activate its average speed safety cameras on State Highway 2 west of Matatā this month with fines issued to people speeding from May 26.

The location of the cameras at the beginning and end of the Matatā straights can be seen on the map, right.

The aim is to reduce the number of people travelling over the speed limit and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

Average speed safety cameras work by measuring how long it takes to travel between two cameras.

When you pass the first camera, it records the time, and when you pass the second camera, it records the time again. It then calculates your average speed based on how long it took to travel between the cameras.

Signs will be installed before the camera area, letting motorists they are ahead so they have time to check they are travelling at a legal speed.

NZTA says average speed safety cameras are widely used overseas and are proven to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

They are being used on roads such as the Matatā straights where people are at risk of being killed or seriously injured in crashes if they’re speeding.