France - Spray Paint Puts Camera Out of Action
FRANCE Nov 2011
In Aisne, vigilantes used blue spraypaint last weekend to cover the lenses of three speed cameras on the RN2, L'Union reported. One camera at Largny-sur-Automne and two in Coyolles were disabled. A similar attack in the area took out a camera on the RN31 in May.
How much damage does this type of damage cost? To replace a unit set on fire, it takes about 80 000 euros each. For the treatment of tags and other graffiti, the bill is between 2000 and 3000 euros. In any case, it is the drivers who are footing the bill, since the fines are used to finance the maintenance of machines.
Finally, abusing these "speed camera ticket machines" can be very expensive. The risks are marked on thebox of each radar: "Any damage or deterioration of this equipment is an offense punishable by a sentence of three years imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. The act of drawing or spray painting is punishable by a fine of 7500 euros and a sentence of community service. "