More than 1,000 new traffic cameras will be installed around the greater Athens-Piraeus area in a bid to boost crime-fighting efforts and dissuade traffic violations, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis recently told TO VIMA.
The governor of the Attica Region, Nikos Hardalias, also cited plans to install another 800 cameras across the prefecture, which hosts the Athens-Piraeus agglomeration and roughly half the country’s population. Chrisochoidis is expected to outline details regarding the cameras’ installation and operation in the coming days.
It has been reported that the traffic cameras in particular will be equipped with software to automatically fine drivers for traffic violations. The software will detect the personal information of the vehicle owner and then send the fine through the government gov.gr portal, or, in instances of more serious violations, add points to the Driver Behavior Monitoring System. The cameras are expected to be installed on major avenues and thoroughfares.
The installation of the traffic cameras is intended to aid in reducing the high level of motor vehicle accidents in the urban area. Greece records high levels of traffic accidents, having the fourth-highest fatality rate in Europe.
Parliament is also debating a new traffic code, which will likely have stricter regulations and stiffer penalties for violations such as running red lights and drunk driving, as another way to lower accidents.
