The first police cars equipped with radar for speed measurement have begun patrolling roads in Sweden, including in the central police region. This forms part of efforts to achieve the Zero Vision for traffic safety. The radar can measure both cars and bicycles, though police still decide whom to stop.
Sweden's police authority has introduced radar equipment in several patrol vehicles to automatically measure the speed of other road users. The first cars have been deployed on roads, including in the central police region, with plans to equip all police vehicles with this technology in the long term.
The move supports the Zero Vision, the goal of preventing any deaths or serious injuries in traffic. Speed violations are viewed as a key issue, and the radar provides officers with an effective monitoring tool.
"It’s not just about cars either, but it can also measure bicycles. We’ve already, after a short time with the car, seen several cyclists going too fast in pedestrian areas, where you’re not allowed to go faster than 7 kilometers per hour. If it’s more than 10 kilometers per hour, prosecutors can proceed with the case," says Malin Dahlström, traffic police officer in the central region.
The radar system measures speeds of vehicles both ahead and in oncoming lanes. For violations, officers record the speed, date, time, and the patrol vehicle's registration number in reports. The system does not automate reporting; police decide independently whether to stop and fine drivers, as before.
"Those who speed will continue to be pulled over by police on the road and have the situation explained. So far, those stopped have accepted the fines without question. It feels like there will be many speeding fines initially," states Michael Hörnell, response police officer in the central region.
The technology performs 18 measurements per second, capturing distance, speed, and direction, serving as evidence in legal proceedings. An independent testing institute verifies the radar's accuracy to ensure legal compliance and prevent erroneous fines.
