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Home Limousin News and Features French speed cameras to become more difficult to spot

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French speed cameras to become more difficult to spot

23 February 2010

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French Prime Minister François Fillon last week announced a series of new measures in an attempt to cut the number of deaths from road traffic accidents.

Whilst the number of deaths has fallen consistently over recent years, 2009 represented something of a plateau, with 4,262 deaths recorded overall (just 13 fewer victims than in 2008). An additional 800 new radars will be installed across France by 2012, but these will be more difficult to spot, with warning signs being located 2km from the camera instead of the current 400m.

A further 100 new average-speed cameras will be deployed in ‘zones sensibles’ where there are known dangers, with the aim of preventing drivers from heavy acceleration and breaking. Road safety campaigners however don’t think the new moves go far enough, and have called for the introduction of third-generation cameras to police vehicles, similar to the solution currently employed in Poland.

Additional measures to be introduced include the provision of 1,800 electronic breath testers for the police and gendarmerie, to help the fight against drivers under the influence of drink, whilst the number of saliva tests will increase by 60% to catch those driving under the influence of drugs. Bars will be asked to make available either chemical or electronic breath testing equipment in the same way nightclubs were ordered to do in 2008.

New regular technical checks on scooters will be required on machines that reach two years of age, after some 28% of deaths were of people using motorcycles. Scooter-owners who modify their vehicles to exceed the speed limit will also be subject to 135€ fines. People found guilty of hit-and-run offences will also be subject to stiffer sentences and fines under the new rules.