Russia is testing a fresh smart beam system integrated into police patrol cars that gauges traffic flow and speeds using video captured by mounted cameras. A company spokesperson, Sergey Kusov, explained the technology to TASS, detailing its operation and what it replaces in the previous setup.
The system detects vehicle speeds through video analysis rather than radar. It processes frames from cameras placed on the beam and derives speed directly from the imagery. This represents a shift from the old method, where a radar unit mounted on the beam body measured speed. The new video-based system performs speed calculations by examining the captured video frames.
One notable feature of the smart beam is its measurement range. It does not confine speed assessment to vehicles directly in front of the patrol car; it can also determine speeds of vehicles behind the vehicle and those in oncoming lanes, broadening the scope of speed monitoring on congested roads.
Kusov noted that modified smart beams have already undergone testing in Kazakhstan. Field trials were conducted under real traffic conditions toward the end of 2023 and, following favorable results, the devices were put into permanent service.
Russia continues to discuss possible updates to traffic regulations. The dialogue includes considerations around revising rules that govern speed enforcement and the use of new technologies on roadways, with reports of potential changes continuing to emerge from official channels.
In related developments, Russian authorities have previously identified certain traffic violations for which drivers would face penalties. The move toward video-based speed measurement forms part of broader efforts to modernize enforcement methods and improve road safety through technology-driven solutions, while ensuring due process and reliability in measurement methods as laws adapt to new capabilities.
Overall, the deployment of camera-based speed assessment from smart beams signals a notable shift in traffic surveillance. By leveraging video analytics, authorities aim to boost accuracy, coverage, and efficiency in monitoring vehicle speeds across multiple lanes and directions, contributing to safer road conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike. The ongoing implementation steps and regulatory updates will continue to shape how these systems are integrated into Russia’s traffic management framework.
Source context: information originates from statements by the developer company representative and subsequent field testing reports from the region. The described approach mirrors a broader sector trend toward autonomous video analytics in law enforcement and traffic management efforts, with regional adaptations to local road networks and regulatory environments.