Camera surveillance in Espoo streets
Automatic camera surveillance has been proposed for the transit street section of Markkinakatu in Matinkylä and the Toppelundintie straight in Haukilahti. The police and the city have jointly judged that camera surveillance on Markkinakatu is the only cost-effective way to reduce the passage by motorists and improve traffic safety.
Espoo’s first automatic camera surveillance posts were installed in the spring on the Salinpellontie transit street in Suurpelto. On 2 March 2022, the Technical Services Committee adopted a proposal on camera surveillance as one way to improve traffic safety. At the same time, criteria were also adopted for the placement of surveillance equipment.
Speeding and violation of ‘no entry’ signs
Residents and transit operators of the Markkinakatu area have given much feedback on disruptive motorists using the transit street section of Markkinakatu, which is intended for public transport only. Their passage has also constantly caused dangerous situations for vehicles entering and exiting the bus terminal.
There are two daycare centres and a school along Toppelundintie. Motorists exceeding the speed limits endanger other road users daily, especially at pedestrian crossings. However, traffic-calming measures cannot be built to control speed, as Toppelundintie is a special transport route used by heavy-good vehicles and buses.
What is automatic camera surveillance?
The primary objective of automatic camera surveillance is to improve traffic safety. Automatic surveillance can also monitor the misuse of bus lanes, which improves the flow and safety of public transport.
The city will agree on the implementation of automatic surveillance with the police. The city will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the camera posts, camera cases and other infrastructure. The police will be responsible for the acquisition and installation of the cameras and conducting the surveillance. The police will also change the locations of the cameras regularly, so not all surveillance points will be operational at the same time.