Template of topic 380525, post 1
Template of topic 380019, post 1
The Waze Map Editor supports mapping various fixed enforcement cameras, enabling drivers to receive alerts when approaching them while using the Waze application.
From September 2024 cameras are part of the permanent hazards framework.
Camera types
Combination cameras
| Camera | Alerts when roaming | Alerts when routing | Familiarity capping | Visible on map when roaming | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red light and speed |  |
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Note: When roaming alerts as a speed camera only. There are plans to support red light and speed camera alerts whilst roaming in the future.
Individual camera types
| Camera | Alerts when roaming | Alerts when routing | Familiarity capping | Visible on map when roaming | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | |
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| Red light | |
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| Mobile phone | |
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| Bus lane | |
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| Seat belt | |
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| Dummy | |
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Where a camera with multiple types exists Waze will only surface one type of combination/individual camera. This is based on the hierarchy in the above table. For example:
Speed camera + Red light camera + Bus lane camera = Red light and speed camera
Seat belt camera + Mobile phone camera = Mobile phone camera
When an alert is triggered, all cameras will generate an audible and visual alert based on user settings. This is except for speed cameras which have additional logic.
The following camera types are not present in Australia, have been disabled, and cannot be mapped:
- Stop sign camera
- Noise camera
- Safe distance camera
- Carpool lane camera
- Transit lane camera
Mapping specific camera types
Speed camera
Speed cameras inherit the speed limit from the segment it is attached to. Refer to road attributes for how we map speed limits.
Different from other permanent hazards, when a driver approaches a speed camera hazard Waze will determine how to generate an alert based on a combination of factors. In Australia:
- if the driver is above the speed limit and has audio alerts enabled, the driver will receive both an audible and visual alert.
- if the driver is not above the speed limit only a visual alert will be displayed.
No additional alerts will be provided if the driver exceeds the speed after the alert has been generated.
Red light camera
As an exception to other permanent hazards, red light cameras, including those part of combination cameras, should be mapped to the enforced stop line or equivalent and not the camera’s real location.
Dummy camera
To show users that we are aware of a camera’s presence, dummy cameras may be added to the map. Examples of situations where a dummy camera is helpful are:
- The camera is non-operational but the camera or associated camera equipment is still present.
- The beginning and end of an average speed zone.
- Other fixed camera types (e.g. traffic surveillance cameras, detection cameras, fatigue cameras or heavy vehicle cameras).
When adding a dummy camera a map note should also be added explaining why the camera was added.
There is no need to map every camera. Dummy cameras are generally added in locations where their absence would likely generate multiple user requests (URs).
Portable/temporary cameras
In general, portable cameras (i.e. speed, seat belt and/or mobile phone detection cameras mounted to a vehicle or trailer) are temporary and not mapped in Waze as they can be difficult to manage.
Users are encouraged to report portable cameras or other temporary enforcement cameras via the Waze app as “police” or “police (hidden)”.
Tunnels
The mapping of cameras in tunnels is dependent on whether the tunnel operator has chosen to install Waze Beacons. These beacons help to provide accurate location data to drivers where GPS signals may not reach.
- Tunnels with Waze Beacons - the camera should be mapped according to our guidelines, typically to its real location.
- Tunnels without Waze Beacons - the camera should be mapped within the first 500m of the tunnel’s entrance, even if this is before the camera’s real location within the tunnel. This ensures that drivers receive an alert when entering the tunnel, in case the application cannot access accurate location data as they traverse the tunnel.
Average speed zones
Template of topic 380209, post 13
Where an average speed zone monitors and enforces the speeds of all vehicle types, the average speed camera flag should be applied to each relevant segment and direction for the length of the road enforced.
To help identify the start and end of average speed zones in WME map notes should be added to the start and end. Cameras are generally visible to drivers so they should be added at the beginning and end of the zone, as well as at any locations within the zone.
- Average speed zone only: Dummy camera to prevent URs - the average speed zone will generate the audible and visual alert.
- Both instantaneous and average speed: Speed camera - the speed camera will generate an alert with the average speed zone also generating an audible only alert.
In addition to the above alerts, when routing, the app will display a progression bar on the side of the screen.
A mapped start/end of an average speed zone, highlighting the checked average speed camera flag on the relevant segments as well as showing appropriately mapped speed camera permanent hazards.
Heavy vehicle cameras
Only fixed cameras for normal traffic are mapped in Waze. Cameras that are only for heavy vehicles are not mapped as they don’t apply to the intended Waze user - the daily commuter. A dummy camera may be used to prevent user requests.
The Waze Map Editor has no way of indicating that a camera or speed zone applies only to heavy vehicles, nor do users have a way to indicate that they are driving a heavy vehicle. Therefore, we don’t map heavy vehicle monitoring cameras or speed zones including those such as the Safe-T-Cam network - a joint network, particularly in SA and NSW, operated by the NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) for monitoring the average speed of heavy vehicles over long distances.
To discourage future editors from adding these Average Speed Zones (ASZ) back in, please add a map note at the beginning of the zone:
ASZ for Heavy Vehicles only
This is the start (or end) of an Average Speed Zone for heavy vehicles only. We do not map these, or their associated speed cameras in Waze. Further information at https://www.waze.com/discuss/t/cameras/375444
Below is a possible response editors can use in response to URs:
Thanks for your camera report. This camera only monitors the average speed of heavy vehicles and is not mapped in Waze. We have added a placeholder to the map but you will not receive any notifications.
If you want to include a reference to an official source for NSW, the following link may be helpful: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/speeding/speedcameras/average-speed-cameras.html#faq5adds