France to privatize legion of mobile speed cameras
Motorists' groups in France have once again got the hump about speed cameras, this time it's about a plan to privatize mobile "radars".
France is quickly becoming the global capital of speed cameras as authorities, under pressure to cut speed deaths, roll out more and more speed traps.
The latest move that has angered motorist groups is the plan to privatize the country’s legion of mobile speed cameras concealed in 319 unmarked cars.
Last year 1.5 million cars were snared by the mobile cameras, but motorists fear that if they end up in the hands of private companies seeking to make a profit then the number of speeding fines handed out would rocket, as would the cost of a ticket.
And it’s very likely that will happen given the government’s aim is to have the cameras out day and night for several hours.
Currently a lack of resources means the cars are only in use for an average of one hour a day.
The government’s road safety tsar Emmanuel Barbe insisted that although private companies would run the mobile cameras, the analysis and handling of all contraventions will be handled by police.
A pilot scheme will be launched in September before a call for tender is put out later in the year.
The French government is under pressure to cut the number of road deaths which have risen for the last two years.
Earlier this year they announced thousands of fake speed cameras would be installed to try and deter motorists.
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France is quickly becoming the global capital of speed cameras as authorities, under pressure to cut speed deaths, roll out more and more speed traps.
The latest move that has angered motorist groups is the plan to privatize the country’s legion of mobile speed cameras concealed in 319 unmarked cars.
Last year 1.5 million cars were snared by the mobile cameras, but motorists fear that if they end up in the hands of private companies seeking to make a profit then the number of speeding fines handed out would rocket, as would the cost of a ticket.
And it’s very likely that will happen given the government’s aim is to have the cameras out day and night for several hours.
Currently a lack of resources means the cars are only in use for an average of one hour a day.
The government’s road safety tsar Emmanuel Barbe insisted that although private companies would run the mobile cameras, the analysis and handling of all contraventions will be handled by police.
A pilot scheme will be launched in September before a call for tender is put out later in the year.
The French government is under pressure to cut the number of road deaths which have risen for the last two years.
Earlier this year they announced thousands of fake speed cameras would be installed to try and deter motorists.
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