Invisible speed camera to flood Warsaw drivers

24 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

The average speed camera Warsaw will monitor nearly 900m in the Wisłostrada tunnel, enforcing 50 km/h and catching drivers who only slow at cameras.

An invisible enforcement system will soon patrol the Wisłostrada tunnel, catching speeders over almost 900 metres. The average speed camera Warsaw will replace the single-point radar at Karowa, so drivers cannot avoid fines by slowing only at the camera.

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How the average speed camera Warsaw works

The new system records a vehicle twice. First it reads a licence plate at the controlled entry. Then it reads the plate again at the exit. The system calculates an average speed from travel time. Consequently, a momentary brake near a camera will no longer help. Moreover, drivers must obey the 50 km/h limit for the whole tunnel. In addition, the system will connect to CANARD, the national IT platform that collects camera data. Therefore, traffic authorities can cross-check offences across the country.

Why the city is installing the system

Warsaw’s road authority, ZDM, argues the change targets safety. ZDM (Zarząd Dróg Miejskich) wants smoother speeds, fewer accidents and fewer extreme cases. However, current measurements show only about five percent of drivers obey the limit. For example, one driver hit nearly 174 km/h in the tunnel during past checks. Consequently, the city seeks a system that enforces steady compliance over distance. Moreover, GITD approval matters here. GITD (Główny Inspektorat Transportu Drogowego) must sign off before any installation. Therefore, the old radar at Karowa will move to Wóycickiego once the new setup goes live. In addition, the contractor Sprint will deliver the system within 300 days after contract signature.

Where else this is spreading in Poland

Warsaw will not be alone. The same type of measurement already operates in the S2 tunnel on Ursynów since 2021. That system catches about a third of all national offences recorded by this type of camera. Moreover, city officials plan to replace classic radars on Poniatowski Bridge with the same type of average-speed monitoring. Consequently, freed cameras will move to other risky spots like Trasa Łazienkowska. Therefore, drivers should expect expanding coverage over time.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: Drive to the signs and not your memory. In Poland, a “mandat” means a fine. Also, PESEL denotes your national ID number. You may hear ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health insurer) in other contexts. GITD enforces nationwide road cameras and CANARD links their data. Consequently, keep steady speed in tunnels and check temporary signs. Moreover, use navigation apps that show variable limits. Finally, carry ID and proper documents when driving, and report any unexpected fines quickly.

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