What is the difference between section control and average speed checks?

They are the same: section control, average speed control and point-to-point enforcement all mean measuring the average speed between two points.

What happens with the data of vehicles that do not speed?

In a well-designed system it is deleted shortly after the vehicle leaves the section, in line with data protection rules. Only data of possible offences is kept for processing.

Can section control be combined with other enforcement?

Yes. The same ANPR infrastructure can, where the law allows, support other checks such as low-emission zones, and section control is often combined with spot speed or red-light cameras.

Section control and speed enforcement

How section control works

An ANPR camera identifies each vehicle at the start of the section and records the exact time.
A second camera identifies the vehicle again at the end of the section.
The system calculates the average speed from the known distance and the time difference.
Only vehicles above the limit are kept for processing; data of other vehicles is deleted quickly.

Section control versus spot speed cameras

A spot speed camera, based on radar, laser or in-road sensors, measures speed at one location. Drivers often brake just before the camera and accelerate again afterwards. Section control measures behaviour over the whole stretch, which leads to more even speeds along the section. Both systems have their place: spot cameras for specific black spots and junctions, section control for longer stretches.

A reliable enforcement chain

Measuring equipment with the type approval or certification required in the country.
Precise time synchronisation between the cameras, for example via satellite time signals.
Protected and verifiable evidence: encryption, signatures and an audit trail from the camera to the back-office.
A processing back-office that links offences to vehicle registration data where the law provides for it.
Maintenance and periodic verification, so that the system remains legally valid.

Related safety measures

Red-light cameras at signalised junctions.
Dynamic speed signs that show drivers their speed without enforcement.
Safer school streets with time-based access and detection of vulnerable road users.
Analysis of near misses with cameras and AI to find dangerous locations before accidents happen.

Planning a section-control site

Choose sections with a documented safety problem and a consistent speed limit, without junctions where vehicles can leave and rejoin unnoticed — or cover those with extra cameras.
Check power, communication and mounting possibilities at both ends of the section.
Agree the processing chain with the police or the competent authority before procurement.
Inform road users: signs announcing section control are part of the safety effect.

How Urbiflow helps

We design section-control and speed-enforcement sites, integrate cameras with power, communication, time synchronisation and processing back-offices, support the approval process and maintain the installation so that it stays reliable.

Relevant for: Road & highway authorities Cities & municipalities