Drivers Divided Over Sectional Speed Camera Limit Change

23 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Local activists ask to raise the sectional speed camera limit to 90 km/h on the Łęczna–Turowola stretch, citing smoother traffic and unchanged safety record.

The sectional speed camera has cut deadly crashes on the Łęczna–Turowola stretch, yet a local campaign seeks to raise the speed limit to 90 km/h. Consequently, residents and drivers now debate whether safety or traffic flow should take priority.

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Sectional speed camera on the Łęczna–Turowola stretch

Officials installed the average speed system in late 2016. The device covers 3.9 km from the border of Łęczna to the Turowola junction. Local authorities and the Bogdanka mine funded the poles and equipment. As a result, accidents fell dramatically. Moreover, fatal collisions stopped altogether on that segment.

Why the camera was introduced and how it works

Police and councils introduced the system to slow drivers and save lives. For years, excessive speed caused most severe crashes in the region. In addition, the road earned a nickname, the “rylostrada,” describing miners racing to and from work. Therefore, the automated average speed control replaced spot enforcement. The system measures time between two points. Then, it calculates average speed and issues fines for violations. However, not all drivers understand the setup. Some brake suddenly near cameras. Consequently, those drivers create new hazards. Others slow well below the limit. For example, drivers may drop to 50 km/h where the limit sits at 70 km/h. Moreover, nearby Łuszczów features a similar system with a 90 km/h limit. In Turowola the limit remains 70 km/h.

Local push to raise the limit to 90 km/h

Tomasz Wójcik of the Łęczna branch of Konfederacja Nowa Nadzieja filed a petition. He argues that the 70 km/h cap now slows traffic too much. In addition, he cites police data that show no rise in accidents on measured stretches. Therefore, he requests the General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways increase the limit to 90 km/h. Volunteers started collecting signatures for the petition. The road authority expects to decide in a few weeks. However, experts warn that safety must remain the priority. Raising the limit would save at most 40 seconds on the covered segment for drivers at top legal speed.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, expect different road rules than in some other countries. First, a mandat means a fine payable for traffic violations. Second, the NFZ (National Health Fund) handles public healthcare coverage, while ZUS runs pensions and social insurance. Third, Polish officials often use PESEL, a national ID number, for administrative tasks. Finally, always follow local speed signs. Police will fine expats the same as citizens, and fines can affect residency paperwork if unpaid.

Local debate reflects a wider tension in Poland. On one hand, authorities seek safer roads. On the other hand, drivers want smoother travel. Consequently, the decision on speed limits will balance safety and convenience. In addition, the move will signal how Poland treats automated enforcement nationwide.

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