Are police hindering the operation of 26 speed cameras in Budapest?
Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of Budapest, recently announced the installation of 45 new speed cameras across the city. He stated that, following a testing period, these cameras would be able to penalise drivers exceeding the speed limit. However, the cameras are not yet operational, and it appears that this delay is not the fault of the city authorities.
Horrific accident leads to speed camera installations
Karácsony, who does not hold a driving licence, is frequently criticised by government-aligned media for this fact. They argue that his lack of driving experience disqualifies him from introducing speed limits or making decisions regarding traffic management. However, Karácsony has explained that he chose not to obtain a licence due to personal reasons: his father died in a car accident when he was six years old. This tragedy has motivated him to reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents in Budapest, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero fatalities – a goal previously shared by his predecessor, István Tarlós of Fidesz.
On 1st July 2023, a devastating accident occurred on Árpád Bridge, where a car struck a cyclist and then collided with another vehicle. Several people were injured, and the cyclist later died in hospital. Police believe the crash was caused by an impromptu street race. In response, Karácsony announced the installation of 45 speed cameras across various roads in Budapest, including those in outer districts such as Csepel’s Weiss Manfréd Street. We reported on this measure in THIS article.
The speed cameras function, but don’t yet penalise
On 4th July, Karácsony reported that the city had decided to replace the 45 speed cameras with 26 more advanced devices, which are capable of monitoring multiple lanes. The locations for the cameras were selected in collaboration with the police.
Although the cameras have been installed, none are currently operational, according to a statement from the national police headquarters (ORFK) in response to questions from 24.hu. They added that, pending technical approval and integration into the VÉDA system, the police are doing everything in their power to get the cameras up and running as soon as possible.
Since this response was somewhat unclear, 24.hu followed up with further questions, asking whether there was anything more the Budapest local government needed to do. ORFK confirmed that while the cameras are functioning, they are not yet issuing fines to drivers who exceed the speed limit. They clarified that integration testing and the evaluation of the cameras’ trial operations are still ongoing.
It is hoped that the cameras will become fully operational soon, helping to make Budapest’s roads safer for everyone.
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Next, in addition to expanding speed cameras, should be cameras on traffic lights and pedestrian crossings; a potentially massive income stream from fines…..