New speed camera at the accident hotspot in Cologne East: Focus on safety!

New speed camera at the accident hotspot in Cologne East: Focus on safety!

The city of Cologne is taking measures to improve traffic safety: From the third quarter of 2025, a new stationary speed camera system will be installed on the B55a, out of the city in front of the Cologne-Ost motorway junction. This decision comes after an in-depth analysis of accident numbers and traffic behavior in this area. lindweiler.de reports that the focus is on defusing an accident hotspot between the Buchforst exit and the Höhenberg junction.

The Cologne Accident Commission, which is made up of representatives from the city, the police, the Cologne district government and Straßen.NRW, initiated the measure. There have been serious accidents at this point again and again, and the new speed camera system should help to significantly increase traffic safety. In 2024, one seriously injured and seven slightly injured people were counted in qualified accidents in this section. verliebtinkoeln.com

Measurement data and speed controls

The numbers are alarming: between April 29 and May 13, 2025, 323,904 vehicles were measured on this section. 85,374 of these exceeded the maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h, with the fastest vehicle recorded at 181 km/h. These data clearly show that there is a need for action, especially when it comes to the frequent rear-end collisions that occur especially when traffic volumes are high.

The speed camera system is operated with a new, laser-based measuring system, which was also approved in March 2025. It will be installed on a stable concrete slab at the side of the road and powered by a fuel cell, as there is no power connection at the intended location. The rent for this facility is around 260,000 euros for a period of 36 months, including all operating and repair costs. After this time, the city will decide whether it wants to continue renting the system, return it or even buy it. lindweiler.de

Extensive precautions

Until the speed camera system is installed, the police will continue to carry out mobile speed checks to ensure that road users adhere to the speed limits. Adjustments to the guardrails and signage are also necessary to ensure safe access to the facility. The new speed camera was identified as part of a broader security strategy and the city is also exploring the use of this new technology at other critical locations, such as the Zoo Bridge.

The planned measures show once again that the city of Cologne is open to the security concerns of its citizens. Because one thing is certain: safety on the roads should always come first. Those interested can find further information about road safety in Europe at ec.europa.eu.