top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Speed cameras are ‘undetectable’

Fleet of 300 unmarked cars will take to the roads over next three years to target high-speed drivers

AN ORDINARY-looking Renault Megane is the latest weapon against speeders on France’s roads – with a new-generation speed camera built into the dashboard and a detector radar behind the numberplate.

The car is the first of a fleet of 300 cars carrying the radars which are practically invisible and almost undetectable. They will start operations on March 15 in around 20 departments. Each is capable of detecting speeding vehicles and photographing them, without flash, while on the move at motorway speeds.

Although unmarked cars are used, the officers driving them will still be in uniform and for the initial period only drivers who overtake the unmarked car will be penalised.

The cars will also only target high-speed drivers, with senior Sécurité Routière official Aurélien Wattez saying they were aimed at motorists who ignored restrictions everywhere except where there were road-side cameras. They are set to catch drivers speeding at more than 10% above the road’s limit – above 143kph on the bulk of French autoroutes.

It is intended to bring in 300 equipped vehicles over the next three years in a bid to cut road deaths – with excess speed blamed for 26% of fatal road accidents in 2012, around 1,000 deaths.

Pierre Chasseray, of drivers’ group 40 Millions d'Automobilistes, said on Europe 1: “Obviously, if it is a weapon against idiot drivers then one cannot be against it; but if it is just a new way to trap drivers it will lead to real hostility against speed cameras.”

• The number of road deaths fell 8.8% in January, with 271 people dying in accidents, Sécurité Routière revealed.
Screengrab: Le Parisien

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France