Greece is entering a new era of road safety with the introduction of digital cameras at eight high-risk points across Athens and surrounding Attica, as part of a broader national initiative to modernize traffic monitoring.

The pilot project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Governance, targets key roads including Panepistimiou Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue in central Athens, as well as major arteries in Agia Paraskevi, Rafina, Kallithea, Alimos, Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, Elliniko-Argyroupoli, and Filothei-Psychiko.

The cameras will monitor serious traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, failing to wear seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, and driving in emergency lanes. The system, part of the new Unified Electronic Violation Management System (E.H.S.), will integrate camera and portable device data, offering automated violation recording, real-time updates for drivers, simplified online objections, and digital payment options.

Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou emphasized the human-centered goal of the initiative: “This reform isn’t just about procedures; it’s about saving lives. Every accident reminds us that inaction is not an option.” The project aims to improve road safety culture while reducing accidents through prevention and education.

Eventually, the network will expand to 2,500 cameras, including 2,000 at fixed high-risk locations and 500 on buses to monitor dedicated bus lanes. Advanced AI-powered license plate recognition will categorize violations and speed up enforcement processes. The system will also improve collection of fines, which currently recover less than 10% in the first year.

The initiative includes open anonymized data access for local authorities, researchers, and policymakers to inform safety strategies, as well as educational campaigns to foster responsible driving habits.

Officials stress that the success of the program relies on citizen participation, promoting accountability, transparency, and trust in public authorities while creating safer roads across Attica.