New speed cameras made harder to see

A NEW generation of hidden speed cameras is to begin appearing on French motorways in a bid to stop drivers suddenly braking to avoid being caught.

Prime Minister François Fillon has announced that 800 extra radars will be installed on roadsides by 2012 - and they will be more difficult to spot.

Warning signs will be placed between one and two kilometres ahead of each new camera, instead of 400 metres at present. The government hopes this will encourage drivers to keep their speed down over a longer distance instead of suddenly slowing down and speeding back up again.

Mr Fillon also confirmed the introduction of a new type of camera which measures a vehicle's speed over a long distance and takes the average.

The devices have been tested on the A10 in Orleans since 2003 and road safety campaigners say they will help cut road deaths.

Other measures announced yesterday include 1,800 extra electronic breathalyzers in police cars and a €135 fine for scooter owners who make modifications to their vehicle to allow it to exceed the legal speed limit.

Drink-drivers and any motorist caught without a valid licence or insurance face having their car taken away from them on the spot and impounded for up to seven days.

Last year almost 4,300 people were killed on French roads - down by 0.3% on the 2008 figure.