A system and method for vehicle detection and tracking in tunnels is provided. The method comprises the steps of capturing a plurality of image frames viewing at least one traffic lane; extracting at least one feature from the plurality of image frames; detecting at least one object indicative of a vehicle from the extracted feature; and tracking the detected vehicle over time to determine the detected vehicle's velocity. The system comprising at least one image capture device for capturing a plurality of image frames viewing at least one traffic lane; and a processor adapted for extracting at least one feature from the plurality of image frames, detecting at least one object indicative of a vehicle from the extracted feature, and tracking the detected vehicle over time to determine the detected vehicle's velocity.