FrenchDuck UK - Latest

The official in charge of French road safety has promised to increase the number of speed cameras to 2000 this year (2007), as the casualty figures have fallen quite dramatically since the crack down on speeding was initiated several years ago. France had one of the worst records for road safety, and tended to traat road accidents with a rather gallic shrug - but it meant that France was the “lanterne rouge” - the back marker - in European road death statistics. Now she is 8th out of 27, and aims to make up for the late start with some vigour. (The UK has 5000 speed cameras, of which 700 are in London)

However, by law, every fixed speed camera has to be signposted in advance - so if you see a sign saying “Controle Vitesse” take it seriously - as there is every chance that a speed camera will be positioned within the next kilometre.

However, there is seldom little warning (other than drivers coming the other way flashing their headlights) for an increasing number of mobile speed traps - very cunningly hidden by the gendarmerie with small cameras on the hard shoulder of autoroutes - and often with a police motorcycle waiting a few kilomtres down the road or at the next autoroute toll booth (peage) to flag down errant motorists. For foreigners there is the prospect of an on-the-spot fine of several hundred euros - if necessary including a visit to the nearest cash dispenser in the company of the gendarmerie!!

The road safety campaign gets into full gear in July and August when the roads are busiest (especially at weekends), And do remember that autoroute speed limits are reduced to 110 kph (69mph) when the roads are wet!

Whilst safety rather than environmental concerns drive the speed limit crackdown, caring for the environment is bringing about big changes in the use of packaging in France. For some years the hpermarket chain E.Leclerc has not provided plastic bags at the checkout - offering only the option of re-using old bags or purchasing a “Bag for Life”. Now most of the other big chains have followed their example - so make sure you take your bags with you when you next go shopping in France,

Similarly rubbish disposal is now much more environmentally conscious - with different bins for glass, paper, recyclable materials etc - make sure you read the instructions on the bins - high fines are threatened for anyone not complying!