In June 1990 NSW police implemented an enforcement method based on Tasmanian Offence Deterrence Operations. The method involved the computer scheduling of stationary police vehicles randomly along a nominated route. In Tasmania the routes so enforced had experienced significant crash reductions and cost-effectiveness of operations. The NSW operations were evaluated by AGB McNair (1991) and Graham (1991), both studies finding no evidence of effect. In this report, both studies and further more extensive crash data provided by the Roads and Traffic Authority are reviewed. While noting the interest of the author in the present review (as a anjor contributor to the management and evaluation of Tasmanian Offence Deterrence Operations), the review particularly of the more extensive data set, found crash reductions associated with the enforcement trial which are: (1) consistent with the distinctive pattern of results previously found in Tasmania; (2) both statistically significant and substantial; and (3) highly cost-effective (depending on assumptions, benefit/cost ratios range from 20:1 to 60:1).
Abstract