Pedestrian crossing radars tested

Testing is under way for a new video surveillance system at pedestrian crossings.

Car magazine Autoplus says it has managed to track down a mobile prototype, which can be moved at will, being trialled in south-east France.

The system is able to record the presence of both a pedestrian preparing to cross the road and a vehicle approaching. If the driver then fails to ensure the pedestrian’s safe passage, cameras automatically film the ensuing scene while radars scan the car’s number plate.

Images will then be viewed by a police officer who will decide – after assessing the circumstances of the incident – to hand out a penalty to the driver or not. Driver sanctions are expected to be a €135 fine and four points withdrawn from their licence.

Pedestrian crossing radars are more easily identifiable than ordinary speed cameras as the cameras are at the top of a 4m mast and so hardly inconspicuous. Live use of the system could take place in Calais as early as this month, Autoplus said.