Drivers, beware! These five special types of cameras on European roads record more than just speed | Večernji List (HR)

Drivers navigating European roads must now be aware of a growing array of sophisticated cameras that go beyond simply detecting speed or running red lights. The German automobile club ADAC warns that many tourists are caught off guard by these advanced surveillance systems, which can lead to substantial fines.

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Red light flashing of a speed camera is not the only thing drivers have to watch out for on European roads.

Traditional speed cameras and red-light cameras are familiar to most drivers, issuing penalties based on single-point measurements. However, many European countries employ more advanced technologies. One such system is 'Section Control,' which calculates a vehicle's average speed over a set distance rather than at a single point. Cameras record license plates at entry and exit points, using the time and distance to determine average speed. This technology is used in countries like Austria, Italy, France, Poland, and increasingly in Croatia, with ADAC noting that warning signs are not always sufficiently visible.

Furthermore, multifuctional cameras are becoming more common, capable of identifying multiple offenses in a single image. In Germany, for example, a driver caught speeding might also be fined for using a mobile phone. Other nations use cameras that can simultaneously detect speeding, phone usage, and other traffic violations. These systems are in operation in France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

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In Germany, for example, a driver can be additionally fined if the photo taken due to speeding shows that they were using a mobile phone while driving.

Tourists also face challenges with cameras monitoring entry into ecological or restricted traffic zones. Many European cities use automated systems to verify if vehicles have the necessary permits or environmental stickers. Italy's 'Zona a Traffico Limitato' (ZTL) is a prime example, where each entry into a restricted zone can incur a separate penalty. Drivers searching for addresses might inadvertently rack up multiple fines. Additionally, some cameras monitor dedicated lanes for buses or specific permit holders, automatically ticketing unauthorized use. In Spain, for instance, illegally using such a lane can result in a fine of around 260 euros.

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The problem is that each entry into such a zone can be punished separately, so a driver who enters and leaves the zone several times, for example, while looking for an address, can receive multiple fines.