This week marks the start and completion of the installation of the first cameras that will issue fines for traffic violations using Artificial Intelligence (AI). As revealed today by Proto Thema, the first eight cameras, which will be installed at the most accident-prone spots in the capital, will begin operating on a pilot basis in the coming days. During this period, the cameras will not issue fines but will be tested while the AI system “learns” to identify drivers, and drivers themselves get used to the idea of being monitored.

However, the time when AI systems will identify drivers talking on their phones, not wearing seatbelts or helmets, driving in bus lanes or emergency lanes, speeding, or committing other violations is approaching. According to officials from the Ministry of Digital Governance, full operation of the system – which will send fines to drivers via SMS, email, or gov.gr notifications – is expected within two to three months. On December 9, the appeals by companies/consortia regarding the camera supply were heard in the Court of Appeals, allowing the procurement and installation of 2,000 AI cameras to proceed quickly.

New System

Alongside the AI cameras managed by the Ministry of Digital Governance, 388 cameras from the Attica Region are being installed to connect to the Unified Information System, which will manage a network of 2,500 cameras in total (including 500 on city buses). The new digital road safety system, expected to be fully operational and interoperable by the first quarter of 2026, will record traffic violations using AI tools and notify offenders via SMS. All 2,500 cameras will be visible, as, according to the Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, the goal is to educate drivers to obey rules rather than just issue fines.

The first eight cameras will be installed this week in:

• Municipality of Athens: Panepistimiou Avenue and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue
• Municipality of Agia Paraskevi: Mesogeion Avenue and Chalandri
• Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi: Marathonos Avenue and Fleming
• Municipality of Kallithea: Syngrou Avenue and Agias Fotinis
• Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni: Poseidonos Avenue and Ermou
• Municipality of Alimos: Poseidonos Avenue and Alimos
• Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli: Vouliagmenis Avenue and Tinou
• Municipality of Filothei-Psychiko: Kifisias Avenue and Ethnikis Antistaseos

These “eyes in the sky” will record, without human intervention, violations including running red lights, speeding, driving or stopping in bus or emergency lanes, not wearing seatbelts or helmets, using a phone while driving, and illegal parking. The AI system will detect and record violations, while competent authorities can further process license plate data to verify compliance with insurance, vehicle inspection (KTEO), circulation taxes, and city restrictions (Dactylio).

Reducing road violations is a personal priority for the minister. This is arguably the most significant reform in road safety in decades, aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.

Remaining Cameras in 2026

The full installation and integration of the system nationwide is expected in 2026. According to ministry sources, Attica has already begun installing 388 new cameras, while the large procurement for 2,500 cameras across the region is ongoing.

The ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera network uses AI software to identify the make, model, and color of violating vehicles. The AI system will categorize violations (e.g., red light violation, etc.). The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, specifically the ODYSSEAS service, will manage the camera network.

The new law passed earlier this month provides for the creation of a Unified Electronic System for Recording and Managing Traffic Violations and Fines (UES), under the supervision of the Ministry of Digital Governance.

The UES receives inspection data from all available sources:

1. From inspectors using tablets
2. From visual sensors of electronic devices (cameras)

This data is cross-checked with public information systems. Camera data is transmitted encrypted to the UES, including image and video files, with time and geolocation metadata of violations. Through proper interfaces and system interoperability, violations are automatically detected, a digital Violation Confirmation Act is issued, and it is electronically delivered to citizens via gov.gr.