Budapest Assembly approves full CCTV coverage for every Danube bridge

Budapest’s General Assembly has approved a proposal to install a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system on all of the capital’s Danube bridges, covering both roadways and pedestrian walkways from end to end.

Danube bridges to get CCTV coverage

The initiative was put forward by Dávid Vitézy, leader of the Podmaniczky Movement’s group in the Assembly, and was adopted by a clear majority, despite opposition from the Fidesz faction.

According to Vitézy, the decision will allow the Mayor of Budapest and Budapest Közút to begin preparations for the installation of a modern, unified camera network across every major bridge spanning the Danube.

As HVG writes, the Danube bridges are not only iconic elements of Budapest’s cityscape, but also among its most heavily used transport corridors, making safety a critical issue, particularly during nighttime hours.

Tragic incidents led to the decision

In recent years, several tragic incidents and unexplained disappearances have been linked to Budapest’s bridges. In many cases, investigators and the public were left relying on incomplete footage recorded only at bridge entrances, leading to speculation rather than clear answers.

Vitézy referenced recent high-profile cases, including the disappearance of a young man believed to have fallen from the Chain Bridge, noting that similar incidents have occurred repeatedly over the past 15 years.

Supporters of the measure stress that the planned surveillance system is not symbolic, but practical. The cameras will monitor both vehicular traffic and pedestrian areas continuously along the full length of each bridge. Vitézy argues that public-space surveillance has been proven to improve public safety, deter unlawful behaviour and enable faster, more effective responses in emergency situations.

Fidesz members did not support the decision

He added that the system could also provide crucial clarity in the aftermath of accidents or disappearances, helping authorities determine what actually happened rather than leaving families and the public with unanswered questions.

While the Fidesz group did not support the proposal, the Assembly’s majority backed the plan, reflecting growing concern over safety on Budapest’s bridges. If implemented as planned, the new CCTV network could mark a significant step towards improving security and transparency in some of the city’s most sensitive public spaces.