‘Dummy’ radars installed to cut accidents
Speeding drivers in north-east France are being targeted by new ‘dummy’ camera zones to persuade them to reduce their speeds on blackspot roads.
In February a first phase started on 37km of the D939 in Pas-de-Calais – where crashes have killed six people and seriously injured 29 in the past five years. The road was fitted with a series of speed-trap warning signs beside possible camera sites and a single automatic camera that was regularly moved.
Another movable camera has now been installed on the D928, Saint-Omer and Hesdin, with a similar series of warning signs so drivers will not be certain of its real location.
The 2mx2m battery-powered units are mounted on retractable trailer wheels, flash at speeding vehicles and send automatic penalty notices to the Antai traffic agency.
From next year, police will test a new version that uses a series of empty camera ‘shells’ set up on blackspot roads.
Only one cabine in a 100 will contain a working speed camera and measuring equipment — but there are 5,000 cabines planned across France.
