hawk20
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There are around 1000 fixed radars on French roads and, in order to combat the continuing carnage of around 5000 deaths a year on the roads, the French Government is committed to a substantial programme of expansion.
The growth in the number of radars is reflected in the sums paid in fines, which trebled from €101m in 2005 to €349 million in 2006. Figures for 2007 are not yet available, but are expected to be higher still.
If you are caught speeding then the level of the fine and nature of the punishment depends on the gravity of the offence, ranging from €45 to €1500. The highest fine is only payable if you are exceeding the speed limit by more than 50km/h, when you may also be liable to suspension of your driving licence. Although EU expats are not required to drive on a French licence, those who suffer a points penalty are required to obtain one. In practice, this does not always occur for, as is so often the case in France, the administrative and judicial apparatus cannot keep pace with the laws they are supposed to implement.
Somewhat surprisingly, only 57% of motorists who were flashed ended up receiving a fine, either because they were within the tolerance limit (+5%), or they could not be pursued because of an out of date address, their plates not clearly visible, or the vehicle was carrying foreign registration.
It would seem that German tourists, used to fewer speeding restrictions on motorways in their own country, are foremost amongst those foreign drivers who speed with impunity on French motorways. The EU is discussing a system cross-border fines for speeding offences, but there remain major technological difficulties to overcome before it can be implemented.
It is surprising that so many motorists get caught by the radars as the presence of fixed radars is clearly signalled by a road sign around 300 metres in advance of the installation itself. Last year, the Government gave consideration to removal of these warning notices, but, having announced the proposal, they then had a change of heart. It is widely believed that the main reason was because of a campaign of destruction of radars that is fairly widespread in France, and the risk that the withdrawal of warning notices would probably incite more destruction.
You can also see the full list of radars at www.radars-auto.com
The growth in the number of radars is reflected in the sums paid in fines, which trebled from €101m in 2005 to €349 million in 2006. Figures for 2007 are not yet available, but are expected to be higher still.
If you are caught speeding then the level of the fine and nature of the punishment depends on the gravity of the offence, ranging from €45 to €1500. The highest fine is only payable if you are exceeding the speed limit by more than 50km/h, when you may also be liable to suspension of your driving licence. Although EU expats are not required to drive on a French licence, those who suffer a points penalty are required to obtain one. In practice, this does not always occur for, as is so often the case in France, the administrative and judicial apparatus cannot keep pace with the laws they are supposed to implement.
Somewhat surprisingly, only 57% of motorists who were flashed ended up receiving a fine, either because they were within the tolerance limit (+5%), or they could not be pursued because of an out of date address, their plates not clearly visible, or the vehicle was carrying foreign registration.
It would seem that German tourists, used to fewer speeding restrictions on motorways in their own country, are foremost amongst those foreign drivers who speed with impunity on French motorways. The EU is discussing a system cross-border fines for speeding offences, but there remain major technological difficulties to overcome before it can be implemented.
It is surprising that so many motorists get caught by the radars as the presence of fixed radars is clearly signalled by a road sign around 300 metres in advance of the installation itself. Last year, the Government gave consideration to removal of these warning notices, but, having announced the proposal, they then had a change of heart. It is widely believed that the main reason was because of a campaign of destruction of radars that is fairly widespread in France, and the risk that the withdrawal of warning notices would probably incite more destruction.
You can also see the full list of radars at www.radars-auto.com
