27.01.2010 0
Service: Cameras at five sets of traffic lights in the Toulon region are now in operation
Var cameras active to catch red light jumpers
After months of tests, five out of seven of the cameras installed to catch red light jumpers at junctions are now in operation having been switched on at midnight. The machines have been set up at junctions in Toulon, La Valette, La Seyne-sur-Mer and Ollioules.
It works on a system that tracks the speed of the car as it approaches with a camera set at about 20 metres away from the light. A second and third positioned near or on the lights take photos as the car goes through on red.
Drivers tempted to put their foot down on amber will face an immediate fine of 135 euros and lose at least four points off their licence (opposite system to the UK where you gain points for offences). If the driver has been forced in some way to jump the lights, for example to let an emergency vehicle through, then that is sure to be captured on camera and taken into account.
This latest generation of radars do not come cheap – the three in Toulon reportedly cost 27 million euros and residents have criticised the choice of one for the Fontan-Sadi-Carnot junction in Saint Roche saying that there has not been an accident there “for several years”.CL
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