The Russian State Traffic Inspectorate, known as GAI, is moving to streamline road safety by removing cameras that do not contribute meaningfully to traffic monitoring. This update comes from RIA Novosti, which quotes Mikhail Chernikov, the head of the department, on the initiative. The goal is to refine the network of photo and video surveillance so that devices remaining in place serve a clear safety purpose and align with current road conditions across the country.
At present, Chernikov notes, Russia operates about 29,000 roadside cameras. He points out that accident rates tend to be lower in regions where traffic monitoring is robust, but he also stresses a disciplined stance on device placement. The focus, according to him, is not simply to reduce numbers but to ensure that each device provides real value in improving driver behavior and incident response.
Chernikov expressed confidence that the plan will do more than just retire nonfunctional cameras. He described a strategy to relocate idle or underused cameras to areas where they are urgently needed, particularly in locations with higher accident frequencies. This reallocation is framed as a practical way to maximize the effectiveness of the surveillance network while cutting redundancy and potential costs associated with maintenance and administration.
From September 1 of this year, new legislation will come into force across the Russian Federation, introducing updated requirements for the photo and video recording of traffic violations. The authorities anticipate that these adjustments will lead to a reduction in the number of cameras along major highways, aligning the system with current enforcement needs and the realities of on-the-ground road safety work. The anticipated effect is a leaner, more targeted approach that still upholds the integrity of enforcement and driver accountability.
Earlier statements from Chernikov addressed a circulating rumor about a list of medications allegedly prohibited for drivers. He asserted that the information circulating online is false and described it as a counterfeit product that has appeared on the internet. The list reportedly claimed to include 74 medicinal substances, some used for heart health and allergies, as if their use could impair driving. Chernikov stated that he personally contacted Mikhail Murashko, the head of the Russian Ministry of Health, to discuss the matter. In his assessment, there is no basis to rely on such a list, and it does not reflect official policy or medical guidance for drivers. The clarification underscores the importance of consulting authoritative sources when evaluating information about drug effects on driving to avoid misinformation and distractions on the roads.
In a broader context, authorities have signaled a shift toward more purposeful deployment of traffic surveillance tools. By prioritizing devices that address high-risk corridors and accident hotspots, the system aims to support law enforcement, influence safer driving practices, and improve responders’ ability to react to incidents. The tone from the traffic police leadership remains focused on responsible governance and transparent communication with the public, emphasizing that changes are guided by data, road safety imperatives, and the practical realities of infrastructure management.
As the modernization of the road monitoring network progresses, observers note that the balance between enforcement, safety education, and efficiency will shape how drivers experience traffic regulation in the coming years. The emphasis on reducing unnecessary devices does not imply looser enforcement; rather, it suggests a refined approach where technology serves clear safety outcomes and resource optimization. The ongoing policy updates reflect an adaptation to evolving traffic patterns and the need to respond promptly to regions with the greatest safety needs, while maintaining clear standards for device placement and maintenance across the federation.