New French Speed Trap

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A word of warning for those contemplating a
visit to France this summer – les Gendarmes are now using a new speed detection
system, known as Poliscan.  This is set to have an effective range of between 20 and 50 metres. 

It uses
LIDAR technology, the increased accuracy of which permits a reduced tolerance
of only 2 kph - less than 2%, so do not assume that the UK level of 10% plus 1 mph
applies. 

Even on the older speed detectors we are lucky to get a 5% tolerance, and sometimes less.  Remember that les gendarmes can now follow
you to the UK, by courtesy of our friends at the DVLA.

The Poliscan unit looks like a pale grey pyramid with a rectangular base, mounted on a trailer, and seems to operate from behind the target vehicle.  

Edited by Mike Fishwick - 26 May 2018 at 3:36pm

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Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: New French Speed Trap Posted: 03 May 2018 at 11:47am
	A word of warning for those contemplating a visit to France this summer – les Gendarmes are now using a new speed detection system, known as Poliscan. This is set to have an effective range of between 20 and 50 metres. It uses LIDAR technology, the increased accuracy of which permits a reduced tolerance of only 2 kph - less than 2%, so do not assume that the UK level of 10% plus 1 mph applies. Even on the older speed detectors we are lucky to get a 5% tolerance, and sometimes less. Remember that les gendarmes can now follow you to the UK, by courtesy of our friends at the DVLA. The Poliscan unit looks like a pale grey pyramid with a rectangular base, mounted on a trailer, and seems to operate from behind the target vehicle. Edited by Mike Fishwick - 26 May 2018 at 3:36pm
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Norrie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 15 Jul 2012 Status: Offline Points: 4117	Post Options Post Reply Quote Norrie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 2018 at 8:06pm
	Thanks I will give it a miss, Clacton here I come! However, no wonder cloning number plates in on the increase, some poor devil gets a claim for a fine and there were never in the location. Edited by Norrie - 03 May 2018 at 8:08pm
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BrianW Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Club Member Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Location: West Sussex Status: Offline Points: 265	Post Options Post Reply Quote BrianW Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 05 May 2018 at 7:23pm
	Mike, are these Poliscan devices mainly on Autoroutes, or are they spread around the French road system. I will be driving from Dunkirk to Florence later this year, and will try and avoid Motorways, as I like to see and enjoy the French countryside.

Mike Fishwick Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 04 Aug 2006 Location: France Status: Offline Points: 2753	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike Fishwick Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 May 2018 at 4:46pm
	The Poliscan units I have seen were on the gendarmes' favourite roads - N roads between cities or autoroutes, such as the N154 between Rouen and the A10 autoroute N of Orleans. Other favourites are the N151 from Bourges to Auxerre, the N77 between Auxerre and Troyes, and the N147/D347 etc between Limoges and Angers. Look at a map and you can predict the most lucrative roads for such devices. Frankly, I think the days of Brits ignoring French speed limits on principle are now over. I guess this day had to come, as the French are no different from any other country, and can be extremely tenacious where their laws are concerned. My advice is to stick to 'D' roads - enjoy the drive and forget about great speeds - just imagine you are in the UK. Most French speed limits are fairly sensible, and if you want to cover a lot of miles in a day, use the autoroutes - but stick to the 80 mph limit.
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