The French authorities managed to collect a record amount of fines for traffic violations (traffic rules) in 2023, which exceeded EUR 2 billion, reported the newspaper Le Figaro with reference to data from the country's Audit Chamber.
The total amount of fines is 7% higher than in 2022. This increase is also related to the increase in the number of traffic cameras from 4,530 to 4,661 in the last year. At the same time, the media reported both cases of regular movement of radars on streets unusual for drivers, as well as the spread of universal radars, which, in addition to speed, can record running a red light, not wearing a seat belt, using a mobile phone and a number of others crimes.
Although video recording devices across the country are regularly attacked by vandals, they are being repaired more quickly, the paper claims. During the year, on average, 91% of the radars worked.
As lawyer Remy Jossom, who specializes in cases related to cars and traffic, told the publication, these statistics show that the effect of fines is becoming less restrictive. “Incomes are constantly growing, but road safety is no longer improving. "So many people have been dying on the roads for several years," he noted. According to him, in order to reduce the death rate on the roads, not only ways to combat speeding, but also other options should be sought. For example, introduce new policies to combat drug and alcohol addiction and driving without a license.