Police and Councils Face Potential Loss of NZTA Camera Access New Zealand’s police and local councils could be stripped of their access to cameras operated by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA). The potential changes stem from the Privacy Commissioner’s review of the NZTA’s use of cameras, which found that the agency had “insufficient legal authority” to provide access to law enforcement and other agencies. The Commissioner, John Edwards, has recommended that NZTA either obtain specific legislative authority for camera access or discontinue the practice. If NZTA chooses to discontinue camera access, it would have significant implications for law enforcement and traffic management. Police rely on NZTA cameras to gather evidence for investigations into serious crimes, such as murder and kidnapping. They also use the cameras to monitor traffic flow and enforce traffic laws, including speeding and red-light running. Local councils also use NZTA cameras to monitor traffic congestion and identify road safety issues. The loss of access to NZTA cameras would create a “significant gap” in law enforcement and traffic management, said Police Association President Chris Cahill. “The cameras are a vital tool for us, and we would be severely disadvantaged if we were to lose access to them,” he said. The NZTA has acknowledged the Privacy Commissioner’s concerns and said it is considering its options. Chief Executive Nicole Rosie said the agency “recognizes the importance of privacy” but also “wants to ensure we can continue to support the safety of New Zealanders on our roads.” A final decision on NZTA’s future use of cameras is expected by the end of the year.Police and councils could lose access to New Zealand Transport Agency cameras under proposed privacy law changes. The Law Commission is proposing changes to the Privacy Act that would give people more control over their personal information. One of the changes would be to restrict who can access camera footage from NZTA cameras. Currently, police and councils can access this footage to help with investigations and enforcement. However, the Law Commission is proposing that this access be limited to cases where there is a “serious threat to public safety.” The changes would also give people the right to request that their personal information be deleted from NZTA cameras. The Law Commission is seeking feedback on the proposed changes until March 17. Police and councils have expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed changes. They say that the changes would make it more difficult for them to investigate crimes and enforce traffic laws. The NZTA has also expressed concerns about the cost of implementing the proposed changes. The Law Commission says that it is aware of these concerns and is considering them in its review of the proposed changes.