Moscow’s Smart Cameras' Self-Cleaning System Passes Snowfall Test
Built-in wipers and antifreeze fluid keep lenses clear during heavy snowfall.
Moscow’s Traffic Management Center said its automated system for cleaning smart traffic cameras performed reliably during a recent spell of extreme cold and heavy snowfall.
According to officials, the intelligent system maintained clear images even during severe weather. To preserve image quality year-round, the smart cameras are equipped with an automatic cleaning mechanism: built-in wipers and antifreeze fluid supplied from a reservoir protect the lenses from dirt and ice buildup.
Moscow’s intelligent transport system includes more than 66,000 traffic lights, around 500 electronic road signs, 3,700 photo and video enforcement complexes, and 1,500 smart cameras. These elements monitor road conditions, manage traffic flows, and deliver real-time information to drivers via digital displays.
Continuous Upgrades
The capital’s intelligent transport system is regularly upgraded and expanded with new features. Among recent updates, the video analytics system has learned to detect two additional types of incidents: roadworks and the movement of scooter riders and cyclists in car lanes.
In 2025, the Traffic Management Center and Yandex launched a joint project that allows drivers to see real-time traffic light signals in central Moscow through navigation apps. The technology displays the current signal color and time remaining before a change and incorporates this data into route planning, helping drivers anticipate traffic conditions.
Next, Moscow’s Traffic Management Center plans to install new AI-powered cameras capable of detecting phone use without a hands-free device, riding without a motorcycle helmet, driving onto sidewalks, and illegal stopping.
