Published 30 seconds ago by Laurence JardinReading time: 3 minutesA new type of radar, capable of measuring the sound levels of vehicles, is being tested in France. This device could soon be deployed on a large scale across the country.
An Increasing Number of Radars on French Roads
Radars are becoming increasingly common on French roads. Whether they are fixed, mobile, crossing or autonomous, their number continues to grow. According to the specialized website radars-auto.com, there were 4,447 radars in France as of September 1st, 2022. This figure could reach up to 5,600 by the end of 2023. Despite their unpopularity, these devices generate significant revenue for the state with earnings of €907 million.
Prototypes of a new kind of radar have been experimentally tested for 10 months, between January and October 2022, in seven municipalities in France (Paris, Nice, Toulouse, Bron, Saint-Lambert, Rueil-Malmaison, Villeneuve-le-Roi). These devices stand out due to their large antenna equipped with several sensors.
Radars to Combat Noise Pollution
These new radars are not designed to measure speeding violations. They have indeed been designed to measure the decibel level produced by each vehicle. In France, approved vehicles usually do not exceed 80 decibels. The state thus wishes to combat noise pollution, particularly those caused by modified exhaust systems often found on two-wheelers.
If these sound radars were not configured to ticket drivers during the blank tests conducted in 2022, they will soon be set up to do so, provided they are approved. In the case of a vehicle being too noisy, the offense registered by the radar will be penalized with a 4th class fine, as stipulated by article R318-3 of the Highway Code. This corresponds to a flat-rate fine of €135, reduced to €90 if paid within 15 days.
A Large-Scale Deployment Envisaged
Removed from the roads last October at the end of the testing phase, these new radars could be reinstalled in their original municipalities by the end of the year if they are declared conforming. They could subsequently be deployed on a larger scale on roads throughout France.
This new device is far from done making noise. It indeed raises many questions. How will it be perceived by drivers? What will its impact be on driver behavior? How will it be managed by authorities? Many questions that will need to be answered in the coming months.
Laurence JardinI am a big fan of news about people – I am a tech and smartphone pro, a serial literature writer, and I write in my spare time.Categories Mobility
I am a web editor specialized in people news. I am passionate about the world of celebrity and I love to follow the latest trends, scoops and gossip that make the buzz