First in Poland: Poniatowski Bridge speed cameras

16 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Warsaw will install section speed cameras on Poniatowski Bridge, changing how speeding is caught and fined.

Lead: Warsaw announced a plan to install section speed cameras on Poniatowski Bridge. Consequently, the city aims to stop drivers from dodging fixed speed cameras.

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section speed cameras at Poniatowski Bridge

The city roads authority opened a tender for a full average-speed system on the Poniatowski Bridge. Moreover, the system will cover the bridge and all connecting ramps. Therefore, drivers cannot avoid monitoring by using short diversions. In addition, the devices will record entry and exit times to calculate each driver’s average speed. Consequently, the system will automatically trigger fines when drivers exceed the 50 km/h limit.

Why this matters now

Poniatowski Bridge carries about 55,000 vehicles daily. Moreover, traffic volumes exceed the bridge designers’ original assumptions. Previously, point cameras reduced speeding at specific spots. However, drivers still slowed only near the booths and sped up afterwards. Therefore, the city wants continuous coverage to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Furthermore, the decision dates back to a 2018 fatal crash involving a 17-year-old cyclist. As a result, officials renewed the project in 2019 and now move forward.

How the system will work and legal context

The central transport inspectorate, called GITD, manages the national CANARD system. In addition, municipal authorities cannot independently install or operate enforcement cameras since 2016. Consequently, Warsaw must integrate with the national backend. The tender requires certified suppliers who can connect to CANARD. Moreover, the selected firm will have 300 days to design and install the system after contract signing. However, local yellow speed-camera boxes still operate until crews remove them. Therefore, drivers risk fines now as before.

Authorities already plan to relocate the existing six booths. Moreover, some devices will move to other busy streets. In addition, Warsaw began replacing a tunnel camera on the Wisłostrada earlier this year. Consequently, the city is reallocating point devices while expanding average-speed enforcement where it matters most.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland a “mandat” means a fine. GITD runs the national CANARD database that collects camera data. Therefore, fines tie to the vehicle registration, not to the driver’s nationality. In addition, local authorities will send a penalty notice by mail and include payment instructions. Moreover, foreign residents should know Poland uses identifiers like PESEL for many services; however PESEL is not required to pay a traffic fine. Consequently, if you drive a foreign-registered car, expect cross-border enforcement measures within the EU. Finally, follow zdm.waw.pl for official timelines and for details about contesting a fine if you believe it is wrong.

What should drivers do now? First, slow down and stick to the 50 km/h limit on the bridge. Secondly, plan routes without assuming a gap in monitoring near ramps. In addition, expect the process to take time. Offers close on August 18, and officials estimate operation by late 2027 or early 2028. Therefore, this change affects long-term travel and commuting choices in Warsaw.

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