Average speed test on Brazilian highways is suspended

After the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) authorized pilot projects for average speed radars on highway stretches across eight states, the same agency announced the temporary suspension of the tests. The measure comes after identifying the need for adjustments in signage and communication with drivers.

How the average speed radar works

Unlike traditional radars, which measure speed only at the exact point where they are installed, the average speed radar records the passage of vehicles at two or more points on the highway and calculates the time spent between them. If the trip is completed in less time than permitted, the system indicates speeding.

Stretches where tests were conducted

The pilot projects were distributed across the Southeast, Center-West, South, and North regions. In Rio de Janeiro, the technology was tested on BR-101/RJ, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and stretches of BR-116/RJ. In Minas Gerais, tests included BR-050, BR-381, BR-116, and BR-040. In Espírito Santo, Ecovias Capixaba installed the system between km 102 and 125 of BR-101, on the stretch between Sooretama and Linhares. Other states included were Goiás (BR-414), Mato Grosso do Sul (BR-163), Paraná (BR-277, BR-163, BR-376), Rio Grande do Sul (BR-386), and Santa Catarina (BR-101).

Educational nature and absence of fines

In the initial phase, the initiative has an exclusively educational, technical, and experimental purpose. During the scheduled 180 days, no driver was cited, fined, or penalized based on the system. Each concessionaire defines the start date of operation, and informative signs mark the beginning and end of the monitored stretches, indicating the regulated speed.

Reasons for the suspension

ANTT informed that the temporary suspension aims to technically analyze the project and make adjustments related to signage and communication with drivers. The goal is to ensure that drivers clearly understand how the monitoring works and that the signage is adequate before resuming the tests.

Next steps for ANTT

The data collected so far cannot be used to apply penalties. The agency will analyze the monthly results, carried out by the Highway Infrastructure Superintendence (SUROD), and will announce the next steps after concluding the technical evaluations and necessary adjustments. Meanwhile, the project remains on pause, awaiting new authorization to resume activities on the previously tested stretches.

With information from Terra, A Gazeta.