Israel Extends Use of Aging Speed Cameras Until 2029

Israel Police will continue to operate the existing 'A3' speed cameras, recognizable by their orange or yellow color, at least until 2029, according to documents released by the Ministry of Public Security. These cameras enforce both speeding and running red lights.

The A3 cameras utilize an older technology: metal strips embedded in the road approximately one meter apart measure a vehicle's speed by calculating the time between passing over each strip. Recently, police announced that these cameras will be recalibrated to issue tickets for speeds just a few kilometers per hour over the limit, a change from the previous policy that allowed a small percentage of overspeeding.

This adjustment follows a recent change in Israeli law, which reclassified minor speeding offenses as 'traffic violations' rather than more serious infractions, making them less likely to be appealed in court and encouraging drivers to simply pay the fine.

Originally, the Israel Police had planned to replace the A3 cameras, operated by the company Melam, with their own system by 2022. This was intended to pave the way for a new network of advanced cameras capable of measuring average speeds over longer road segments. However, the new system has not yet been widely installed or become operational.

Instead, the police have entered into a NIS 15 million exemption contract with Sky Technologies and Security Systems for the setup, maintenance, and operation of the A3 cameras until June 2029. This exemption was granted because Sky Technologies is reportedly the only company authorized by GATSO, the Dutch manufacturer of the A3 cameras, to service them.