February 22nd, 2010 | 
Author: People who take or rent a car on their French holiday will have to pay close attention to speed limits rather than the position of speed cameras as the national government introduces a new generation of technology to the country’s motorways.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon recently announced that 800 new speed cameras will be introduced, with new measures taken to ensure that speeding drivers don’t simply brake just before they come in range to avoid being caught. Connexion, the English language French news monthly, reports that Mr Fillon also confirmed that a new type of camera would be rolled out across the country after being tested since 2003 on the A10 road in Orleans.
Starting this year, warning signs will be placed between 1 and 2 kilometres ahead of speed cameras rather than the current distance of 400 metres. A new type of speed camera will also be added to some motorways, which will measure a vehicle’s speed over a long distance and use the average to judge whether a car is speeding.
Other announcements were made which reinforced the importance of driving safely during a French holiday and paying strict attention to local laws. Nearly 2000 electronic breathalysers have been issued to police forces around the country and the punitive measures for those caught drink-driving or without a valid license or insurance have been increased; now, any motorist in breach of the law faces having their car taken away on the spot and impounded for seven days.
The new measures will help make France a safer place for motorists but also means that UK drivers shouldn’t take their holiday for granted. If you get caught speeding through the Dordogne on the A89, you face a similar punishment as if you are speeding on the M62 at home.
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