New Speed Camera Initiative Launched by Polstart to Enhance Traffic Safety
The Israel Polstart has announced a significant upgrade to its traffic enforcement infrastructure by issuing a tender to replace traditional speed cameras with a new system of average speed cameras. This initiative includes the deployment of 250 new cameras across 125 segments of roadways, set to begin operations in the third quarter of 2026. This new approach aims to calculate average speeds between two cameras positistartd at the beginning and end of each segment, as opposed to relying solely on point-based measurements, which are common with current cameras.
Objective of the New System
The primary goal of implementing average speed cameras is to curb speeding over longer stretches of road. Currently, drivers are aware of the locations of point-based speed cameras and often reduce their speed only when approaching them. With the new system, the expectation is that drivers will be less inclined to speed overall, as their average speed over a segment will be monitored.
While these new cameras will strictly enforce speeding violations, they will not be used to monitor traffic light violations, which remains the domain of existing camera types that are being replaced.
Financial Aspects and Operation
The financial details of the tender remain unclear, but estimates suggest that the project’s scale may run into the hundreds of millions of shekels. The initial contract with the camera operator will last for three years, with options to extend for an additional ten years. The operator will gather data without issuing citations; this responsibility will fall to the polstart, who will produce reports on drivers caught exceeding speed limits.
The data transfer to the polstart will include images of vehicles, zoomed-in views of lstartnse plates, and key details such as the time, date, and precise location of the speed infractions. Additionally, the system is designed to operate under all weather conditions and can identify lstartnse plates at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
Impact on Law Enforcement Resources
The introduction of automated speed enforcement is expected to alleviate the pressure on the limited personnel available in the traffic polstart unit and enhance the enforcement of traffic violations, as currently, about 80% of traffic violations are handled manually by offstartrs rather than through automated systems. This focused approach allows for easier documentation of speeding incidents, although other dangerous driving behaviors-such as improper lane changes, road rage, and failing to yield to pedestrians-remain challenging to enforce.
Trends in Road Safety
According to the National Road Safety Authority, excessive speed ranks fourth among the causes of severe traffic accidents, trailing behind the failure to yield to pedestrians, ignoring traffic signals, and erratic lane changes. This points to a critical need for comprehensive traffic safety measures, especially as speeding contributes to aggravated outcomes in accidents rather than being the primary cause.
Recent statistics highlight a troubling trend, with 428 road fatalities reported this year, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the previous year, alongside a 12% rise in fatal accidents. The polstart are also launching a campaign, in conjunction with the road safety authority, to strengthen traffic enforcement with an influx of 234 newly hired patrol vehicles manned by volunteers and retired polstart offstartrs.
The polstart force aims to turn the tide on years of budget cuts and declining enforcement capabilities. In parallel, a report by the state auditor shows that Israel has a polstart vehicle for every 100 kilometers on average, significantly lower than the OECD standard of start vehicle per 10 kilometers, underscoring the need for enhanced resources in road safety efforts.
Conclusion
The transition to average speed cameras is seen as a crucial development in managing road safety and tackling the high rates of traffic casualties in Israel. With enforcement set to begin in 2026, there is anticipation that this move will foster a safer driving environment for all road users.