Smart traffic surveillance camera systems and what you need to know

NGÀY ĐĂNG 08/01/2026

Võ Hồng Tiên

With the rapid development of urban transportation infrastructure and the increasing pressure from the density of private vehicles, there is an urgent need for a transparent, efficient, and automated traffic management system. In this context, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are no longer a distant concept but have become a crucial pillar in building smart cities in Vietnam.

Overview of Intelligent Traffic Surveillance Camera Systems

Intelligent traffic surveillance camera systems are modern solutions using high technology to manage and control traffic. These surveillance cameras not only record images but also analyze and process data to optimize monitoring efficiency and support traffic management.

Main Components of the System

Surveillance cameras: typically PTZ cameras with adjustable viewing angles and zoom capabilities. These cameras typically feature high resolution and the ability to record in all weather and lighting conditions, as well as night vision capabilities. They are installed at key traffic points such as highways, intersections, roundabouts, overpasses, and busy areas.

Image processing software: Integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify and analyze vehicles, count cars, detect accidents, or traffic violations such as running red lights.

Sensors and IoT devices: Often installed at traffic points to measure traffic flow, speed, emissions, and other indicators to assess traffic conditions and air quality.

Central control system: This is where data from cameras and sensors is sent to monitor and control traffic in real time.

Monitoring screen and control interface: Allows managers to easily monitor traffic points via a video wall capable of displaying visual data on traffic events and alerts.

Operating Principle

The intelligent traffic monitoring system operates based on a close combination of AI cameras, Edge Computing, and a centralized management platform. The entire process is automated from image collection to analysis, storage, and violation processing.

Step 1: Recording and Data Collection

Dedicated traffic cameras and sensors installed on the road continuously record images, speed, and direction of vehicle movement 24/7, even in low light or harsh weather conditions.

Step 2: Analysis and Recognition (Edge AI)

Instead of transmitting all video to a central hub, modern cameras use Edge Computing technology to analyze images directly on the device. AI will automatically recognize license plates, classify vehicle types (cars, motorcycles, trucks), and detect violations such as running red lights, driving in the wrong lane, or speeding...

Step 3: Data Transmission

Only important information (metadata) and evidence of violations (photos, short video clips) are encrypted and transmitted to the In-Operation Operations Center (IOC) via IP, 4G, or 5G networks to save bandwidth.

Step 4: Verification and Processing

At the center, the data is compared with the national vehicle registration database to identify the vehicle owner. After the traffic police verify the accuracy, the system will automatically generate an electronic report and send a fine notice to the violator.

The Importance and Technological Shift in Traffic Monitoring

For many years, traditional traffic monitoring systems relied primarily on passive recording and manual human observation. This model is increasingly revealing its clear limitations: slow response to emerging situations, difficulty in scaling up on a large scale, and heavy reliance on subjective factors in the process of handling violations.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing has created a revolutionary shift in the field of traffic monitoring. Cameras today are no longer simply recording devices, but have become intelligent sensors capable of self-analyzing, identifying, and issuing warnings at the moment an event occurs.

The deployment of AI-integrated traffic camera systems optimizes traffic flow management, minimizes accidents, and enhances traffic law compliance through a transparent and objective system of issuing fines remotely. In particular, according to new legal regulations – notably Circular No. 73/2024/TT-BCA effective from the beginning of 2025 – the urban traffic monitoring system has officially become a legal tool to support law enforcement in detecting, controlling, and handling administrative violations without the need for the constant direct presence of traffic police at the scene.

Benefits of deploying a smart monitoring system

Transparency - Fairness & Objectivity in penalties: All violations are recorded with digitized data accompanied by clear images/videos with license plates, time, and exact location, eliminating subjective factors in handling violations and building trust among the public.

The system automatically detects dangerous situations such as vehicles driving against the flow of traffic or illegal parking.

Traffic lights are regulated at blind spots or in the event of traffic collisions. This provides immediate warnings to relevant authorities, allowing them to quickly reach the scene, minimizing the risk of fatalities and congestion.

Data on traffic flow, density by time of day, and vehicle type (trucks, buses, cars, motorcycles) provides crucial information for managers to adjust traffic light timings or replan road infrastructure.

License Plate Recognition Systems (ANPR/LPR) play a key role in tracking hit-and-run vehicles, stolen vehicles, or wanted criminals, contributing to maintaining public order and safety in the context of rapid urbanization.

KPS - A Trusted Partner for Smart Transportation Projects

KPS is the official distributor and integrator of smart security and surveillance solutions in Vietnam, with many years of experience in surveillance cameras, smart transportation, and high-tech security infrastructure. KPS is a strategic partner of leading global brands such as i-PRO (Panasonic), Bosch, and CNB, providing AI cameras, traffic violation cameras, and advanced image analysis solutions that meet international standards.

Beyond supplying equipment, KPS acts as a consultant and implementer of complete solutions, from site surveys and system design to software integration, deployment, operation, and long-term maintenance. With a team of experienced engineers with in-depth knowledge of AI, Edge Computing, and ANPR technologies, KPS is committed to delivering effective, stable, and legally compliant smart transportation surveillance systems, contributing to building safe, transparent, and sustainable urban development.