South African motorists may soon face a new level of traffic enforcement as authorities move forward with plans to install average speed over distance (ASOD) cameras on former e-toll gantries across Gauteng.
The proposal, backed by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, forms part of broader efforts to improve road safety and modernise traffic law enforcement through advanced technology.
Unlike conventional speed traps, ASOD systems calculate a vehicle’s average speed over a defined section of road. Cameras positioned at entry and exit points record number plates and timestamps, allowing authorities to determine whether a vehicle exceeded the legal speed limit during its journey.
Because the system monitors speed over an extended distance, it is significantly harder for motorists to avoid penalties by slowing down only when approaching a camera.
E-toll infrastructure could gain a new purpose
The planned rollout follows ongoing discussions between the Gauteng Provincial Government and the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) regarding the future use of the province’s extensive e-toll infrastructure.
In response to parliamentary questions earlier this year, Creecy confirmed that SANRAL was exploring ways to repurpose the gantry network for road safety and law enforcement functions.
Besides monitoring vehicle speeds, authorities are also considering the introduction of high-speed weight-in-motion technology to identify overloaded trucks. Existing communications infrastructure linked to the gantries could additionally support vehicle licensing services.
The proposal could have a significant impact on motorists. Gauteng currently has 43 e-toll gantries positioned along major routes including the N1, N3, N12 and R21 highways.
ASOD technology is not entirely new to South Africa. Similar systems are already operating on parts of the N1 between Pretoria and Polokwane, sections of the N3 linking Johannesburg and Durban, and selected routes in the Western Cape.
As enforcement technology evolves, authorities believe the systems can help reduce dangerous driving behaviour and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
Cape Town pushes ahead with AI-powered road monitoring
At the same time, the City of Cape Town is expanding its own technology-driven enforcement programme.
The metro has introduced smart speed display signs along several roads. These electronic signs show motorists their current speed and encourage drivers to slow down when exceeding the legal limit.
According to the city’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Roberto Quintas, data collected from the pilot sites suggests that average speeding levels have declined in areas where the signs have been installed.
Locations currently using the technology include High Level Road, Ocean View Drive and sections of Main Road in Green Point.
To further evaluate driver behaviour, city officials are considering installing speed cameras approximately 100 metres beyond the smart signs. The aim is to determine whether drivers maintain lower speeds or accelerate again after passing the warning displays.
Cape Town is also seeking to introduce artificial intelligence-powered cameras capable of identifying motorists using mobile phones while driving or travelling without seatbelts.
Although the technology has already been tested, previous fines issued through the system were challenged and subsequently overturned. South African legislation requires all traffic enforcement cameras to comply with strict technical standards and calibration requirements before penalties can be legally enforced.
The city is currently seeking approval from the National Director of Public Prosecutions to implement the AI-powered monitoring system permanently.
With both Gauteng and Cape Town investing in advanced enforcement technologies, South Africa’s road safety landscape appears set to enter a new era of automated and data-driven traffic policing.
Source: BusinessTech