In Russia, plans are underway to digitize information about traffic restrictions on national road networks, converting it into a centralized electronic format. This initiative was discussed with Izvestia by Dmitry Safonov, who leads the road activities department within the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation’s policy division for road infrastructure. The goal is to create a reliable data stream that can be accessed in real time by various transportation services, improving safety and efficiency for all road users. The project is framed as a step toward greater transparency and faster information dissemination for drivers, fleet operators, and service providers responsible for navigation and route planning. [Source: Ministry of Transport]
Safonov noted that operators of navigation systems will soon be able to utilize the road restriction data directly. Once the procurement and bidding processes are completed, the Department of Transport will forward the finalized data packages to the relevant federal agency for deployment and standardization. This arrangement should streamline how different navigation platforms receive accurate, up-to-date information, ensuring that drivers can see constraint notices, temporary closures, and detour options almost instantaneously online. The shift aims to reduce information gaps that currently exist between road authorities and end users across multiple devices and apps. [Source: Ministry of Transport]
Safonov emphasized that a large share of drivers already rely on information services and navigators from various manufacturers. These tools pull data from centralized information systems and relay it to motorists in real time. The new framework would formalize and expand this data exchange, enabling a more cohesive ecosystem where every traveler benefits from consistent, timely updates about road conditions, traffic restrictions, and permitted driving routes. This move is presented as a logical progression toward harmonized digital infrastructure for transportation nationwide. [Source: Ministry of Transport]
There have been calls from the academic and policy community to address how traffic controls are implemented in parks and on pavements. The Institute for Contemporary Policy Studies (IIPSP) recently submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to initiate discussions about installing speed-modifying structures in urban green spaces and pedestrian zones. The aim is to study whether such installations could reduce risks for vulnerable mobility devices and improve overall safety in areas where pedestrians and micro-mobility users share space. The submission includes data suggesting that incidents involving personal mobility devices have risen in the most recent nine months, highlighting a concern that warrants careful policy review and stakeholder consultation. [Source: IIPSP submission]
In a separate development, Mikhail Chernikov, the head of Russia’s State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, acknowledged ongoing efforts to optimize the network of traffic cameras. It is reported that the current fleet comprises roughly 29 thousand cameras across the country. Chernikov pointed out that while accident rates are lower in many regions with these devices, the Inspectorate maintains a strict stance on how cameras are installed and maintained, underscoring the importance of clear guidelines, proper placement, and ongoing evaluation of effectiveness. The authorities stress accountability in equipment deployment to ensure that enforcement efforts align with safety outcomes. [Source: State Traffic Safety Inspectorate]
Earlier statements suggested that Russia is not planning to introduce additional penalty points for traffic violations in the near term. This stance reflects a broader approach to balancing enforcement with education and technology-driven safety improvements. The focus remains on using digital communication channels, standardized data sharing, and targeted interventions to reduce risky behaviors on the road, rather than expanding the penalty point system. Stakeholders are watching how these strategies unfold as institutions coordinate policy, technology, and public information efforts. [Source: Ministry of Transport]