The installation of new speed cameras on the Amaral Peixoto Highway (RJ-106), one of the main links between the Rio Metropolitan Region and cities in the Lakes Region and Northern Fluminense, has sparked debate among drivers, authorities, and tourism representatives. The equipment, which is still undergoing testing, will begin issuing fines in the second half of June.
In total, there will be 133 speed cameras distributed across 78 points along the approximately 200 kilometers of highway that connects São Gonçalo to Macaé. Although the Rio de Janeiro State Department of Roads (DER-RJ) claims that the number is the same as stipulated in the previous contract, users of the road allege that the presence of the speed cameras has become more noticeable in several sections.
Currently, some speed cameras remain covered by dark tarpaulins or have their speedometers turned off, but many drivers already reduce their speed when approaching the checkpoints for fear of future fines.
Questions about the number of speed cameras
The expansion of electronic traffic enforcement has generated criticism from drivers who frequently use the RJ-106 highway. Many question the need for installing so many devices along the road and believe the measure may be for revenue collection purposes.
The discussion gained momentum mainly on the eve of the Corpus Christi long weekend, a period when thousands of vehicles use the highway to access tourist destinations such as Cabo Frio, Arraial do Cabo, Búzios and other cities on the Costa do Sol.
The DER-RJ (Department of Roads of Rio de Janeiro) informed that the complete location of the speed cameras will be published on its official website later this month. According to the agency, the distribution of the equipment was defined based on technical criteria for road safety and accident rates.
The bidding process is under review by the Court of Auditors.
In addition to user complaints, the equipment procurement is also being analyzed by the Court of Auditors of the State of Rio de Janeiro (TCE-RJ).
The procedure was questioned following a complaint filed by state representative Vitor Júnior (PDT), who pointed to possible indications of compromised competitiveness during the electronic auction held in September of last year.
One of the points that drew attention was the minimal difference between the bids submitted by the participating companies. In one of the lots, the winning company submitted a bid only one cent lower than the second-place bidder. In other lots, the difference was around R$ 1.
DER-RJ reported that it has already submitted all the clarifications requested by TCE-RJ and emphasized that the process took place through an electronic auction, with monitoring by control bodies and registration of all stages.
Reduced distance between equipment generates criticism.
Another reason for complaint is the proximity between some of the speed cameras installed along Amaral Peixoto Avenue.
In certain stretches, especially between São Gonçalo, Niterói, and Maricá, the distance between speed cameras is less than one kilometer. Near the Ernesto Che Guevara Municipal Hospital in Maricá, for example, two speed cameras are separated by about 700 meters.
Between the Arsenal and Tribobó neighborhoods in São Gonçalo, the approximate distance is 900 meters. In Várzea das Moças, in Niterói, the facilities are about 600 meters apart.
During a journey between São Gonçalo and Saquarema, a stretch of approximately 70 kilometers, at least 17 electronic surveillance points were identified, concentrated between São Gonçalo and Maricá.
DER states that the criteria are technical.
According to DER-RJ (the Rio de Janeiro State Department of Roads), the installation of speed cameras at short distances meets road safety criteria adopted in urbanized areas with a higher incidence of accidents.
The agency states that factors such as road characteristics, traffic flow, and demands from residents and highway users were also considered.
From Saquarema onwards, however, the equipment appears less frequently. In some sections, there are only signs indicating electronic surveillance, without the speed cameras having been installed yet.
The tourism sector expresses concern.
Tourism representatives are also closely monitoring the situation. The president of the Costa do Sol Tourism Council, Marco Navega, states that the issue has generated apprehension among business owners and municipal managers.
According to him, about 90% of visitors to the region arrive by land, making RJ-106 a strategic route for the local economy.
The sector's concern is mainly related to the lack of detailed information about the distribution of equipment and the potential impacts on the mobility of tourists using the road.
Public safety is also part of the debate.
Drivers and professionals who work daily on the highway claim that some speed cameras have been installed in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
The main concern is that the mandatory reduction of speed limits in certain areas could increase the risk of robberies and muggings reported on stretches of the road.
The issue prompted a formal request from state representative Zeidan (PT), who asked DER-RJ to reassess the equipment located in areas considered critical, especially in the municipalities of Maricá and São Gonçalo.
Following a meeting between the congresswoman and the president of DER-RJ, it was agreed that operational adjustments could be made during the testing period, including possible changes to the operating hours of some speed cameras.
The Military Police reported that it has increased policing on state highways this year with the creation of two new highway battalions and the Traffic Police Battalion (BPTran), in addition to reinforcing the teams that operate on the access roads and along the roads of Rio de Janeiro state.
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