The French government’s plans envisage upgrading some of the 4,000 or so speed cameras in the country to modern multi-talents.\u00a0 A total of 4,160 fixed speed cameras are to be in operation by 2025, of which around 500 devices will be able to detect other traffic violations in addition to speed measurement.\u00a0 These systems work with AI-based software that can, for example, register cell phones at the wheel, unbuckled seat belts and insufficient distance to other vehicles.<\/p>\n
According to a report by France Info, investments of 46.3 million euros (around 49.3 million US dollars) are planned for this.\u00a0 These funds are to be used both for the maintenance of existing equipment and for the purchase of new devices.<\/p>\n
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The new technology is based on advanced AI and image processing software.\u00a0 Camera systems record traffic and use algorithms to analyze windshields, people and cell phones.\u00a0 Violations such as using a cell phone or not wearing a seatbelt are detected automatically.\u00a0 The range of the speed cameras can be up to 500 meters, which enables effective monitoring across several lanes.<\/p>\n
In addition, tamper-proof digital case data is intended to guarantee a high standard of data protection.\u00a0 Data will only be stored and processed in the event of a recognized violation.<\/p>\n
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If several infringements are registered at the same time, the fines could increase considerably.\u00a0 One example: Anyone driving too fast with a cell phone to their ear and not keeping a safe distance risks up to three fines of 135 euros each.\u00a0 This adds up to 405 euros (around 433 US dollars).\u00a0 In extreme cases, a combination of four violations could even cost 540 euros (around 578 US dollars).<\/p>\n
As the fines are enforced reciprocally within the EU, German drivers are also affected by the new regulations.<\/p>\n
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The introduction of the super speed cameras has been met with fierce criticism.\u00a0 The French automobile club \u201c40 Millions d’automobilistes\u201d describes the plans as a pure rip-off.\u00a0 According to a statement, the new devices would hardly contribute to improving road safety, but would primarily pursue financial interests.<\/p>\n
There are also fears that unjustified penalties could be imposed, for example if another vehicle cuts in just in front of you and the distance is temporarily not maintained as a result.\u00a0 The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) also raises questions, as there is still no legal basis for the widespread introduction of such systems in France.<\/p>\n
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France is not the first country to use advanced radar technology.\u00a0 In Australia, more specifically in the state of New South Wales, camera systems specially developed to detect cell phone use at the wheel have been in use since 2019.\u00a0 These systems work in a similar way to the planned French speed cameras and use AI for analysis.<\/p>\n
The Netherlands also has similar technologies that can punish cell phone violations.\u00a0 In Germany, however, the introduction of such systems is currently difficult due to legal and data protection hurdles.\u00a0 However, accidental findings, such as the detection of an unbuckled seatbelt in a speed camera photo, are already possible and can be prosecuted by the authorities.<\/p>\n
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The super speed cameras mark a technological advance in traffic monitoring that could improve road safety.\u00a0 At the same time, however, the new technology raises ethical and legal questions, particularly with regard to data protection and fairness in the punishment of offenses.<\/p>\n
It remains to be seen whether the new systems in France and other countries will prove their worth in the long term.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n