Fartkontroller

Fartkontroller is a term used in several Nordic languages to describe police‑conducted speed enforcement on public roads. It refers to checks aimed at ensuring compliance with posted speed limits and reducing the risk of crashes.

Methods commonly used include fixed and mobile speed cameras, handheld radar and laser speed guns, and, in some systems, average‑speed monitoring over a road section. Automatic number plate recognition and other surveillance tools may be employed to identify violators.

Penalties for speeding are typically prescribed by national traffic laws and can include fines, penalty points on a driver’s license, and, in certain cases, license suspension or vehicle seizure. Enforcement also serves as a deterrent and a factor in road safety campaigns.

Effectiveness varies by context. Research generally reports reductions in speeds near enforcement sites and reductions in crash risk, but outcomes depend on enforcement intensity, visibility, and public acceptance. Critics argue that automated systems raise privacy concerns and that enforcement can be uneven or unfair.

Fartkontroller practices are implemented differently across Nordic countries, reflecting national legal frameworks, traffic culture, and road safety objectives. They are part of broader road safety strategies that include speed limits, road design, and public awareness campaigns.