Alarming Violation Statistics
Running a red light is not just a traffic violation but a serious crime that endangers lives and complicates the work of security services. However, in Greece, it seems many drivers ignore this prohibition. In just one month, several new high-resolution cameras recorded an impressive 10,000 violations.
The alarming statistics were made public by Greek Minister of Digital Governance Dimitris Papastergiou during an interview with the local TV channel SKAI.
Large-Scale System Implementation
The authorities in the Attica region plan to install 388 cameras at 100 locations, all aimed at recording red light violations. The preliminary figures come from only a few dozen of these new cameras, raising serious concerns about what the full network might reveal when it operates at full capacity.
Despite the obvious danger of such violations, drivers will not face penalties yet. The system is still in a pilot phase, so no fines are being issued at this stage. This will change by mid-January when full enforcement begins.
Severe Penalties for Violations
Fines for running a red light in Greece are severe: 700 euros and a 60-day license suspension for the first offense, 1,000 euros and 180 days for the second, and 2,000 euros along with a full year without the right to drive for the third. It is worth considering that the average monthly salary in Greece is about 1,200 euros, making these fines particularly substantial.
Artificial Intelligence on Guard for Safety
Ministry of Digital Governance
Cameras recording red light violations are only part of a broader technological implementation. The Ministry of Digital Governance is also deploying artificial intelligence-based systems capable of detecting a wider range of violations. These cameras monitor seat belt use, driver distraction, speeding, and improper lane usage, among other things.
Currently, eight such AI units are operating in Athens, having recorded 2,500 violations in just four days of use. One particularly active location on Syngrou Avenue showed that a single camera recorded over 1,000 offenses in that short period.
According to the Greek minister, by the end of 2026, the network of sophisticated AI cameras will expand to over 2,000 units. The goal, in his opinion, is to change the behavior of Greek drivers behind the wheel, reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities, while simultaneously reducing pressure on police resources.
Whether the deployment of AI cameras will proceed according to plan is another question, as, according to sources, there are ongoing legal challenges related to EU data protection rules.
Automated Fines to Your Phone
These cameras don’t just record violations. They take timestamped photographs showing the driver behind the wheel and the vehicle’s license plate. Soon, offenders will receive notifications directly on their phones along with a QR code to pay the fine.
Offenders will still be able to contest the charges, but photo evidence is usually difficult to challenge. Perhaps more importantly, the days when a fine could “disappear” thanks to a timely phone call are coming to an end. The system is designed to be unbiased and automated.
Greece Is Not Alone
Greece is far from alone in this. AI-based traffic control systems are already being used in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Australia, India, China, Japan, across much of the Middle East, and in the United States.
The scale of Greece’s experiment with automated traffic control is significant, especially considering the country’s size and driving culture. The success of this program could be indicative for other European states also struggling with high accident rates. The key question remains balancing road safety with citizen privacy protection, regulated by strict GDPR norms. Society’s reaction to the start of fine issuance in January will show whether these measures are perceived as fair or will provoke mass resistance.