Greece Rolls Out Smart Cameras With Same-Day Traffic Fines

Greece is moving closer to the full deployment of its new-generation “smart cameras,” with the first traffic fines expected to be issued in the coming days, according to Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou.

Speaking to public broadcaster ERT news, Papastergiou said the cameras are already operational as part of a pilot system run by Athens traffic police in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport. He confirmed that the first fines recorded by the system will soon be sent to drivers, marking a major shift in the enforcement of road safety rules.

Papastergiou stressed that public debate around the cameras is justified, noting that the primary objective is not revenue generation but the protection of human life. He said the visibility of the cameras, as well as mobile applications showing their locations, does not undermine their purpose. On the contrary, he argued, awareness that violations are being recorded can act as a powerful deterrent.

According to the minister, data from just eight pilot cameras revealed around 15,000 red-light violations within a period of 15 to 20 days. He described these incidents as thousands of potential collisions, many of which could have been fatal, as drivers rushed through red lights while others were legally crossing on green.

While the system will be significantly expanded by the summer, Papastergiou said the Region of Attica is expected to complete the installation of all 388 planned cameras, while tenders will be finalised for additional artificial intelligence-enabled cameras and devices installed on buses by the Ministry of Transport. Central to the rollout is a unified digital information system that will process violations almost instantly.

Under the new framework, drivers will receive notifications directly on their mobile phones via the government wallet application, alerting them that a violation is under review. Those less familiar with digital tools will still receive fines through traditional paper notifications. The upgraded system will allow drivers to view photographic or video evidence of the offence and submit objections electronically within a 13-day window.

Papastergiou emphasised that the goal is for fines to be issued on the same day as the violation, addressing long-standing delays that previously saw penalties arrive months or even years later. He said the new system dramatically shortens this timeframe, increasing both fairness and effectiveness.

The cameras also detect mobile phone use while driving, an offence the minister described as technically more challenging to capture due to lighting and camera angles. Nevertheless, he said thousands of such violations have already been recorded. He linked these enforcement efforts to a reported 22% reduction in road fatalities in 2025, equivalent to around 200 fewer deaths, attributing the improvement to new road infrastructure, updated traffic laws, increased checks, and camera deployment.

Clarifying how the system treats amber traffic lights, Papastergiou noted that cameras do not issue fines for crossing on amber. However, he reminded drivers that the Highway Code requires vehicles to stop at amber unless it is unsafe to do so. He urged motorists to take responsibility behind the wheel and to anticipate signal changes earlier.

Addressing concerns about artificial intelligence, the minister underlined that fines are issued by human officers, not automated systems. This allows for contextual judgement in cases such as emergency vehicles or congestion that leaves a car stranded at an intersection.

Papastergiou also announced upcoming additions to the government’s digital wallet, including professional identity credentials for lawyers, doctors, engineers, and journalists. He highlighted progress in digital justice and healthcare, with the rollout of electronic judicial files alongside existing digital medical records, aimed at speeding up procedures and improving public services.

He concluded by saying the government remains committed to transparency and dialogue, insisting that the smart camera system is fair, targeted, and focused squarely on reducing dangerous behaviour and saving lives on Greek roads.