French towns to introduce traffic light cameras

Description:

Following the success of speed cameras in reducing road deaths in recent years, the French government plans to start rolling out traffic light cameras, with some expected to be operational before the start of summer.  Drivers who jump a red light will be fined a hefty 135€ and their licence will be lighter to the tune of four points.

Four radars are expected to be operational in Paris over the next two months, and just like speed cameras, details of the offending vehicle will be automatically sent to the processing centre at Rennes.  The roll-out of cameras will be focussed in Paris and Parisien suberbs at first, followed by the major cities of Lyon and Bordeaux, according to road safety delegate Michelle Merli.

In all, there are plans to roll-out 150 radars nationwide, with a focus on known accident blackspots.  Whilst the first cameras are installed, the government plans to reflect on proposals to introduce a change in the operation of traffic lights, which could see a flashing amber light introduced while a green light is still lit, to warn motorists to slow down for an impending red light.

Critics believe that traffic light cameras are not the answer, with 36,000 crossroads to police the solution would be prohibitively expensive for widespread roll-out, compared to the number of incidents.  Chantal Périchon, president of the League against road violence, believes that the money would be better spent on introducing more third generation (smaller) speed cameras on the roads.

There is no indication yet of when these new cameras are likely to be installed in Poitou-Charentes.

Like this story? Why not use our RSS feed and receive updates as soon as they are posted? Or join us as a member and receive a monthly newsletter.