The Governing Council has authorised an investment of €5.3 million to install 40 cameras with artificial intelligence on the regional road network. The system will allow for real-time incident detection and better planning of works.
The Community of Madrid has launched an ambitious plan to modernise its roads with the installation of 40 smart cameras, capable of automatically detecting, counting, and classifying vehicles travelling on the regional network. The Governing Council has authorised an investment of €5.3 million to implement a new platform based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which will integrate data from the cameras with other digital sources.
The aim is to anticipate incidents, optimise traffic management, and plan maintenance activities with greater precision. The new technology will allow real-time knowledge of traffic conditions, detect congestion before it forms, and calculate travel times more accurately. It will also be used to assess the impact of construction works or any other incidents on mobility.
Currently, the regional network has 466 traffic counting stations that record the number of vehicles. The new cameras will complement these records and provide a more comprehensive view of mobility in the region. The system will help identify the real needs of each road, anticipate the effects of new urban developments, and prioritise actions where they are most needed.
For drivers in Madrid, this will translate into safer driving and fewer surprises. The platform will be able to alert in advance about works, accidents, or adverse conditions, allowing for alternative routes. Furthermore, the collected data will help better plan maintenance tasks, reducing inconveniences caused by lane closures.
The project is part of the Community of Madrid's strategy to digitalise its infrastructure. The €5.3 million investment includes both the hardware for the cameras and the development of the analysis software. The system is expected to be operational in the coming months, although a specific start date has not been provided.
With this initiative, Madrid positions itself at the forefront of traffic management through artificial intelligence, following in the footsteps of other major European cities. The technology will not only allow for reactions to traffic jams but also prevent them, improving the quality of life for citizens who use the regional road network daily.

