Moscow Expands Control Over Road Accidents, Animals, and Debris on Roadways

The Moscow Traffic Management Center has announced a tender for 2.3 billion rubles to lease 470 cameras to « expand coverage » of the intelligent video surveillance system. The system uses neural networks to detect various road incidents without human intervention, including accidents, animals entering roadways, or debris on the road. Currently, such cameras monitor the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), and under the new contract, surveillance will extend to the entire Moscow High-Speed Diameter (MSD) and other city roads.

The tender for « expanding the coverage of the intelligent video surveillance system » was announced by the Moscow Traffic Management Center. Applications will be accepted until August 18. The contractor is expected to supply 470 dome and cylindrical cameras capable of producing images in 2560×1440 resolution. The devices must be registered in the federal FGIS « Arshin » database as official measuring instruments and must recognize license plates from Russia, CIS countries, and the Baltics.

According to the tender documentation, the cameras must be able to detect « unauthorized entry » of vehicles and pedestrians into restricted zones, identify traffic jams, vehicles parked in dedicated lanes, as well as fallen objects and debris on the roadway.

  • The requirements also mention spilled cargo, animals, and parts of vehicles involved in accidents.
  • The cameras must be delivered in four batches within 60 days of contract signing.
  • The lease term is five years, with a contract value of 2.39 billion rubles.

The neural network-based incident detection system was first deployed in 2022. An initial contract worth 4.2 billion rubles was signed with « Spetsdorproekt » to install 1,400 smart cameras on the MKAD and other roads.

In its first year of operation, fatalities on the ring road decreased by 30%, according to traffic police. A year later, the Traffic Management Center signed another contract with « Stroy Invest Project » (worth 297 million rubles) to create a separate incident management system with automated data collection and processing from cameras.

Currently, 1,500 smart cameras monitor the MKAD, several tunnels, and partially cover the Moscow High-Speed Diameter (MSD), detecting 13 different types of incidents.

Since early 2025, these cameras have recorded about a million incidents, reducing fatalities on the MKAD by 20%. The AI quickly recognizes accidents, and the « Road Patrol » service is dispatched to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway.

« The successful testing of the video analytics system has opened opportunities for scaling and achieving 100% coverage of the MSD, » explained the Traffic Management Center. « Cameras will also be installed on other city highways as needed. The system allows precise traffic assessment, accounting for vehicle numbers, accidents, and emergencies, enabling quick response to minimize ‘secondary’ accidents (such as collisions with stationary vehicles or pedestrians during accident investigations). »

Expanding smart surveillance to most streets while improving event recognition algorithms is crucial, according to a former deputy head of the Traffic Management Center. « This will allow post-incident analysis of any complex road situation, » he explained. « Early threat detection before patrols arrive is key. Reducing response time is vital for traffic system stability. »

Densely placed smart cameras can enhance not only traffic safety but also urban management—from road maintenance to crime prevention. « If used responsibly, this is a step toward a modern, intelligent, sustainable, and livable city, » the expert concluded.

« Neural network-based video analytics works effectively, » added another specialist. « Combined with the ‘Road Patrol,’ it helps reduce accidents, especially on highways. » However, patrol vehicles must remain near high-risk areas for rapid response.

False alerts may occur initially, but as the neural network learns, errors will decrease.

In addition to smart analytics, the city operates a traffic violation detection system, with images sent to traffic police for fines. It includes 3,800 stationary cameras, 138 mobile (installed in Traffic Management Center vehicles), and 60 portable (mounted on buses or pickup trucks).

Moscow Ring Road (MKAD)

The Moscow Ring Road (MKAD) is a 108-kilometer highway encircling Moscow, completed in 1962 as a key transport route to divert traffic from the city center. Originally built as a two-lane road, it was later expanded to handle increasing traffic and now serves as both a major thoroughfare and the informal administrative boundary of Moscow. While not a cultural site itself, the MKAD is a significant part of Moscow’s infrastructure and urban development history.

Moscow High-Speed Diameter (MSD)

The **Moscow High-Speed Diameter (MSD)** is a major toll motorway in Moscow, Russia, designed to reduce traffic congestion by providing a high-speed bypass around the city center. Opened in stages between 2011 and 2023, the MSD spans approximately **105 kilometers (65 miles)** and connects key highways, improving transit efficiency. As one of Russia’s largest infrastructure projects, it reflects Moscow’s efforts to modernize its transportation network.

FGIS « Arshin »

The *FGIS « Arshin »* (Federal State Institution « Arshin ») is a Russian cultural and historical site, often associated with heritage preservation, though specific details about its origins and purpose are limited in publicly available sources. It may relate to traditional Russian measurement systems (« arshin » was an old unit of length) or a modern institution dedicated to cultural heritage. Further context would be needed for a more precise historical summary.

Spetsdorproekt

« Spetsdorproekt » is a Russian architectural and construction company, known for its involvement in designing and building infrastructure projects, including roads and transport systems. While not a cultural site itself, the company has contributed to modern urban development in Russia, particularly in regions like St. Petersburg and Moscow. Its projects often focus on improving transportation networks, reflecting contemporary engineering and planning trends in Russia.

Stroy Invest Project

« Stroy Invest Project » does not refer to a widely recognized cultural site or historical landmark, and there is limited publicly available information about it. It may be a private development, construction initiative, or investment project, possibly in Eastern Europe or Russia, given the name’s linguistic roots. Without further context, its specific history or significance cannot be summarized accurately. Let me know if you’d like details on a similar or verified location!

Road Patrol

« Road Patrol » is a reality TV show that originally aired in New Zealand, focusing on traffic enforcement and roadside incidents. The show, which began in 2002, follows police officers and highway patrol teams as they monitor roads, respond to emergencies, and enforce traffic laws. It provides an inside look at road safety efforts and has gained popularity for its dramatic and educational content.

Traffic Management Center

The **Traffic Management Center (TMC)** is a facility that monitors and controls urban traffic flow using real-time data, cameras, and sensors to reduce congestion and improve safety. Many modern TMCs were established in the late 20th century with advancements in smart transportation technology. They play a key role in coordinating traffic signals, managing incidents, and providing updates to drivers through digital signage or navigation apps.

Traffic police

The traffic police are law enforcement officers responsible for regulating and managing road traffic, ensuring safety, and enforcing traffic laws. Their role dates back to the early 20th century with the rise of automobiles, when cities began establishing dedicated units to control increasing congestion and accidents. Today, they play a vital role in maintaining order on roads, conducting checks, and educating drivers on safe practices.