Auckland Council Probes Geoff Upson's Speed Camera Comments

Auckland Council is currently conducting a preliminary assessment regarding complaints against Rodney Local Board member Geoff Upson. The complaints stem from remarks he made about speed limits and speed cameras, which are under scrutiny to determine if a full investigation is warranted. Upson has openly admitted to exceeding speed limits, stating, “I speed myself. I’ve certainly had a lot of speeding tickets to back that claim up.” He expressed a belief that current speed limits, particularly those reduced since 2020, are excessive, arguing that “driving 80 or 60 is ridiculous.”

The New Zealand Herald

Upson's comments were prompted by his social media posts concerning vandalized speed cameras, which he referred to as “revenue cameras.” In these posts, he criticized the placement of speed cameras on roads where speed limits had been lowered, claiming they do not effectively deter dangerous driving. He highlighted a specific incident involving a speed camera on the Coatesville Riverhead Highway, which had its speed limit reduced from 100 km/h to 60 km/h. Upson remarked, “So anyway, good news, it’s safe for you to drive 61km/h on your way to work tomorrow,” indicating his support for higher speed limits.

The New Zealand Herald

According to Auckland Council's code of conduct, the complaints against Upson are being assessed to determine if they constitute a material breach. Council spokesperson Roberts noted that no determination has yet been made, and there is no set timeline for completing this preliminary assessment. Upson maintains that his comments, while controversial, do not violate any codes of conduct.

The New Zealand Herald

Upson's remarks have sparked debate within the community, reflecting a broader contention surrounding speed limits, speed bumps, and traffic safety measures. He acknowledged that these topics often elicit strong opinions, stating, “I can upset the council staff as much as I want... I’m elected because the people agreed that there’s a problem and they want me to try to fix it.” This sentiment underscores the tension between elected officials and council staff, as well as differing community views on road safety.

The New Zealand Herald

While Upson's comments have drawn criticism, there is no consensus on the appropriateness of current speed limits or the effectiveness of speed cameras. Some community members support Upson's stance, while others argue that speed limits are essential for safety. The ongoing assessment by Auckland Council may clarify these conflicting perspectives.

The New Zealand Herald

• “I’ve certainly had a lot of speeding tickets to back that claim up.” — Geoff Upson, Rodney Local Board Member

The New Zealand Herald

• “So anyway, good news, it’s safe for you to drive 61km/h on your way to work tomorrow.” — Geoff Upson, Rodney Local Board Member

The New Zealand Herald

• “I’m elected because the people agreed that there’s a problem and they want me to try to fix it.” — Geoff Upson, Rodney Local Board Member

The New Zealand Herald