January the 2nd, 2024 – New year – new cameras. More brand new cameras have begun being installed along Croatian roads. Here’s where you can find them (or where they’ll find you).
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, on the very first day of this year, new cameras began “making their way” to Croatian roads. They’re part of the traffic control and management system known as Crocodile 2 Croatia, or Cro 2 Cro for short. This system is part of the Crocodile project, launched at the EU level.
“The implementation of this project will ensure the improvement of road traffic safety and the exchange of data through a mobile application. The total value of the Crocodile 2 Croatia project amounts to 10,956,000 euros, of which 85 percent (9,312,600 euros) has been funded by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility,” it was said last year during the presentation of the project organised by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure and Croatian Roads.
As such, the Republic of Croatia now stands alongside the other member states partaking in the wider Intelligent Traffic System, the purpose of which is to recognise dangerous actions on the roads in a timely manner. Such surveillance systems were first used in other European countries in tunnels, because they are particularly critical, as reported by Večernji list.
Recording of the interior as well as speed…
The most significant innovation is that these new advanced cameras on Croatian roads will be able to record the vehicle’s interior as well as its speed. In addition to catching speeding drivers, fines will also be issued to those who fail to wear a seat belt or are caught using their phones while driving. The new cameras will also be used to catch those on hikes who try to cover up their license plates.
The new cameras will be deployed on all kinds of Croatian roads, and not just on motorways. You’ll be able to find them operating on regional and local roads, as they are more dangerous than motorways in terms of traffic safety. While far higher speeds are the norm on motorways, there are fewer accidents because there are no classic intersections, as well as other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists to contend with. Therefore, the new cameras are expected to increase security.
Punishment can’t be escaped in other EU Member States
In addition, data on offences committed in European Union Member States will be exchanged between countries. In theory, this has already been being done, but it hasn’t been without many issues and as a result, many people committing driving offences abroad have gone unpunished. Now, the purpose is not only to punish, but to inform and educate drivers.
1,700 new cameras on Croatian roads in 2024
The new cameras, along with other equipment, are worth around 1.55 million euros. According to some information currently circulating, a total of 1,700 cameras will be installed along Croatian roads. It is currently expected that the installation works of this package of cameras will be completed by the middle of the year at the latest.
Most of the new fixed cameras will be installed in Split-Dalmatia County. The City of Zagreb and the wider Zagreb County will be getting new cameras at 18 locations, while Zadar is set to be the city with the most locations placed under Big Brother’s watchful eye – 17.
In addition to the new cameras, speed interceptors worth more than two million euros have been purchased, and that equipment is being financed from the funds of the National Road Traffic Safety Programme.
