New traffic monitoring system reduces speeding incidents in Hvalfjörður Tunnel

A new traffic monitoring system is reportedly leading to a significant reduction in speeding incidents in the Hvalfjörður Tunnel, according to the chief of police. However, there has been a noted increase in unnecessary overtaking as more drivers adhere to speeds well below the legal limit.

From March 1 to July 15, nearly 196 drivers were charged with speeding in the Hvalfjörður Tunnel. In contrast, during a similar period from March 1 to June 15 two years ago, 1,077 drivers were caught speeding. Despite this earlier reporting period being a month shorter, both periods are comparable, indicating a marked decrease in speeding violations, said a police spokesperson.

The chief noted that while average speed checks are effective in enhancing road safety, they have also inadvertently encouraged some drivers to slow down excessively, with speeds dropping to as low as 50-60 km/h on roads where the legal limit is 70 km/h. This can result in unnecessary overtaking, he emphasized, urging drivers to adhere to the lawful speed limits.

The chief believes that average speed monitoring is more equitable compared to systems that rely on spot checks, as drivers often slow down upon approaching cameras. Nevertheless, thousands of drivers are still caught speeding each month, even with the advance warning of speed cameras.

While asked about the potential for expanding average speed monitoring to other areas, he explained that such systems require continuous road sections without interruptions, making it less feasible in locations with multiple intersections.