New cameras monitoring traffic violations in Attica

High-tech cameras that will be installed on the streets of Attica will take on the role of “Big Brother” (surveillance by big brother).

They have the ability to automatically record violations such as speeding, running red lights, and using a cell phone while driving. In addition, these cameras will be able to detect cars that are driving without insurance or have failed inspection. At least 1,000 of the 1,388 cameras that will be installed on the streets of Athens will be able to record the faces of drivers.

In general, for the “common good”, the roads will turn into a “reality show” in which everyone will play, without even wanting it. With the installation of these cameras, which will be completed gradually before the end of the year, every violation will be automatically recorded and checked online with the central database of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport, as well as AADE (Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων – Independent Revenue Service). This means that fines will be issued immediately, without delay or human intervention, and sent electronically directly to the offender.

The central database, which contains information about all uninsured cars, vehicles that have not passed technical inspection, as well as data about their owners, will be updated in real time. Thus, every vehicle detected by the cameras will be automatically checked and necessary action will be taken immediately if the rules are violated.

High-definition cameras will be equipped with special software to perform all these functions. This system will also contribute to wider control of public spaces, as is the case in several European capitals, and will be based on the identification of individuals using biometric characteristics.

Greek Police (ΕΛ.ΑΣ.) will complement the camera software thousands of photographs of faces, wanted for criminal acts, incitement to riot or other offenses threatening public safety so that they can be easily identified. The new system will provide police with the ability to immediately locate, for example, wanted persons in public places such as squares, streets and stadiums.

However, the critical point in this process was obtaining approval from Аρχή Προστασίας Προσωπικών Δεδομένων (Personal Data Protection Authority), since the use of such a powerful surveillance system raises concerns regarding the protection of privacy and personal data of citizens.

Approval for the installation of this system was received just before Christmas. As part of this technological upgrade, the Greek Police plans to equip 200-300 police security services with special portable devices that will have facial recognition software. They will allow police officers to take photographs of suspects while on patrol or monitoring crowds and immediately send them to the system's database for identification. In real time, police will be able to receive an answer as to whether the observed person is wanted and for what reasons, which will enhance the ability to respond immediately.

However, when it comes to traffic management, the problem is not the identification of offenders, but the failure to enforce laws, as was demonstrated in the tragic accident in Chania, where 22 year old young man lost his life because the police, a few hours earlier, failed to fulfill their duties and did not arrest a drunk driver (who, moreover, was driving without a license).

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