New average speed control section introduced in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz — Average speed monitoring has been introduced on a section of the Zhaisan–Aktobe–Kyzylorda highway in Aktobe Region, regional police said.

The system has been operating since August 10 on the section between the settlements of Ulgaisyn and Kalybai.

How it works

Cameras record a vehicle at the beginning and end of the monitored section. The system then calculates its average speed based on the time taken to cover the distance.

This means slowing down only when approaching a camera will no longer be enough. If a vehicle’s average speed across the entire section exceeds the permitted limit, the system will automatically record the violation.

Why it is needed

Police say the main purpose of the system is to ensure compliance with speed limits throughout the entire road section, rather than only in front of cameras.

In addition, Kazakhstan is holding the preventive road safety operation “Qauipsiz Zhol” from August 10 to 12. It is aimed at reducing traffic violations and improving road safety.

Where average speed monitoring is in use

According to the Interior Ministry, average speed monitoring is already operating on several road sections in six regions of Kazakhstan.

In Abai Region, cameras are operating on three sections of the Pavlodar–Semey–Kalbatau highway. In Akmola Region, the system is in use on the Astana–Pavlodar and Astana–Shchuchinsk highways, while in West Kazakhstan Region it operates on the Uralsk–Saratov route.

In Pavlodar Region, average speed is measured on the Astana–Pavlodar, Pavlodar–Omsk and Pavlodar–Semey–Kalbatau highways. In Turkistan Region, cameras are operating on the Shymkent–Kyzylorda and Shymkent–Taraz roads, while in Kyzylorda Region the system is in use on one section of the Shymkent–Kyzylorda highway.

Average speed monitoring was also launched on July 10 on the Almaty–Khorgos and Kokshetau–Petropavlovsk highways, as well as on the Astana–Temirtau route between Arshaly and Oshagandy.

According to the Interior Ministry, more than 600,000 speeding violations were detected on these sections between March 17 and July 23.

In the future, average speed monitoring may also be introduced on another 14 toll-road sections with a combined length of about 2,500 kilometres.