A speed camera will be relocated from Poniatowski Bridge to the Grochowska and Zamieniecka intersection in Warsaw’s Prague-Południe district following a January tragedy.
Fatal Crash Prompted Safety Review
A speed camera will be installed at the intersection of Grochowska and Zamieniecka streets in Prague-Południe, Warsaw. The device will be moved from Poniatowski Bridge, with installation planned at the location where a tragic accident occurred in January, resulting in the death of a six-year-old boy.
According to Jakub Dybalski, spokesperson for the Warsaw Road Administration, the dismantling of one of the speed cameras on Poniatowski Bridge will begin on Tuesday, April 28th. Simultaneously, another team will prepare the foundations for the device’s installation in Prague-Południe.
Details of the January Incident
The intersection has been under increased scrutiny from residents and city services since January 19th, when two cars collided after 3:00 PM. One vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing, injuring four people, including the six-year-old boy who later died in hospital. Three women were also hospitalized.
Police Investigation Findings
Police determined that a 28-year-old female driver of a Ford failed to yield to a Toyota driven by a 48-year-old man while turning left on Grochowska Street. Both drivers face charges of causing a fatal traffic accident. Karolina Staros, spokesperson for the Warsaw-Praga District Prosecutor’s Office, stated that both drivers contributed equally to the collision and its consequences due to violations of traffic safety rules.
Planned Intersection Improvements
The installation of the speed camera is one of the changes announced following the January tragedy. Discussions among Prague-Południe councilors regarding safety in the area also highlighted the need to rebuild the intersection, with work planned in conjunction with tram track repairs scheduled for 2027.
Proposed Intersection Redesign
Plans include dedicated left and right turn lanes, separate traffic light phases, narrowing of the roadway, pedestrian refuges, and longer, wider bus stop platforms. The Warsaw Tramways project has received positive opinions from ZTM (Warsaw Public Transport Authority), the police, and city institutions responsible for safety.
Poniatowski Bridge Speed Camera Reduction
The speed camera moving to Grochowska Street is one of several being relocated from Poniatowski Bridge. After its removal, five speed cameras will remain on the bridge. Ultimately, all are slated to be removed as the location is planned for average speed control. ZDM (Warsaw Road Administration) has reached an agreement with the Main Inspectorate of Road Transport regarding the relocation of three devices from Poniatowski Bridge – to Wóycickiego Street, the Grochowska and Zamieniecka intersection, and Łazienkowska Route near Torwar.
