Denmark is dramatically expanding its network of speed cameras across the country's road system. The government plans to install 30 new fixed cameras while upgrading 20 existing units to improve their effectiveness. An additional 10 cameras will appear along motorways, bringing Denmark's total speed camera count to 60.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen explained the reasoning behind the expansion. 'We install speed cameras for traffic safety reasons. We know that speed on country roads kills,' he stated. The minister emphasized that excessive speed contributes to numerous fatal accidents each year.
Interestingly, 10 of the new cameras will serve dual purposes. Authorities will position them primarily to reduce noise pollution in sensitive areas. These locations include Copenhagen's Motorring 3 and near the Vejle Fjord Bridge, where local communities have complained about traffic noise.
Danielsen challenged the common belief that drivers only slow down briefly when passing cameras. 'It's actually a myth that this is something you only do for those 50 to 100 meters past the speed camera. It actually has a longer effect,' he argued.
The Council for Safe Traffic welcomed the expansion with enthusiasm. 'This is a good day for traffic safety. This is something we have wanted for a very long time. Because we know they work,' said Jakob Bøvring Arendt, the council's managing director.
Arendt noted that speed cameras influence driver behavior beyond just the immediate camera locations. According to the council's data, excessive speed plays a role in more than one-third of fatal accidents in Denmark. The organization believes an even more comprehensive camera network combined with police patrols would be ideal.
The 64.2 million kroner project will begin construction in several years, with gradual implementation following completion. Minister Danielsen assured the public that the expansion won't reduce funding for other anti-speeding measures. He also made a surprising promise about revenue generation.
'We are supposed to have the same number of fines in the future. So we actually turn them off at certain times of the day that drivers won't know about, because it shouldn't be a money machine,' the minister revealed. Current speed cameras generate approximately 40 million kroner annually from violations.
This approach represents a significant shift from how many countries use traffic enforcement cameras. Rather than maximizing revenue, Danish authorities appear genuinely focused on behavior modification. The decision to periodically disable cameras demonstrates this commitment to safety over profit.
Speed cameras have proven effective in Denmark according to available data. The Council for Safe Traffic reports that cameras have reduced average speeds on monitored routes by 10 kilometers per hour. Some locations have seen even more dramatic decreases of up to 20 kilometers per hour.
No further expansions are currently planned beyond this tripling of cameras. However, officials indicated they will monitor the situation and adjust strategies based on results. The phased approach allows for evaluation before committing to additional infrastructure.
For international observers, Denmark's method shows how automated enforcement can balance safety objectives with public trust. The transparency about camera operation and revenue intentions distinguishes this program from more controversial systems elsewhere.