Traffic enforcement in the Athens metropolitan area is entering a new phase as regional authorities complete the installation of 388 AI-enabled traffic cameras at 100 major road junctions, aiming to improve road safety by automatically detecting red-light violations.
The new camera network, installed by the Attica regional authority, is expected to become fully operational over the coming months once it is integrated with the Greek Police’s digital traffic violation system.
The cameras have been mounted on dedicated poles and are positioned to capture the rear of passing vehicles, recording license plate numbers and traffic violations without photographing drivers. The Italian-made system is directly linked to traffic lights and activates automatically the moment a signal turns red.
How the system works
A key element of the new enforcement system is a specially marked white stop line currently being painted on roads before pedestrian crossings. This line will serve as the official reference point for determining violations.
If a vehicle crosses the white line after the traffic light has turned red, the system will automatically register the offence.
The cameras are capable of detecting vehicles travelling at speeds of up to 250 km/h and can accurately calculate how much time has elapsed between the traffic light turning red and the vehicle crossing the line.
Human review before fines are issued
The first 100 cameras are scheduled to be connected to the system by August, allowing authorities to begin gradually recording violations and issuing fines.
Despite the automated detection, every case will undergo human verification before a penalty is imposed.
Images and footage captured by the cameras will be transmitted through a secure VPN network to the Ministry of Digital Governance and then forwarded to the Greek Police’s traffic division. Police officers will examine each case to confirm that a violation has occurred before a fine is approved.
Each recorded incident will include five photographs and one video, providing comprehensive evidence and reducing the risk of incorrect citations.
Once verified, fines will be sent digitally to the driver or registered vehicle owner through Greece’s gov.gr platform or by electronic notification.
Part of a broader road safety strategy
The rollout is part of a wider effort to improve road safety across the Attica region.
According to the authorities, traffic police recorded 286 red-light violations in June alone. During the same period, Attica saw 579 road accidents, resulting in 12 deaths and 668 injuries, including eight serious injuries.
Officials expect the deployment of all 388 cameras to encourage greater compliance with traffic laws, acting primarily as a deterrent at intersections identified as having an increased risk of accidents.
