Last year, 12.9 million tickets were issued to French drivers using video-ticketing systems, marking a slight increase of over 2 percent. These systems, which operate in more than 500 communes, monitor various traffic offenses, including obstructive parking, driving on reserved lanes, running red lights, and using mobile phones while driving. According to a study by Coyote, a French company specializing in driving assistance and road information, 530 areas across 519 communes are monitored by these cameras. Seine-Saint-Denis has the highest number of communes under surveillance, with 28, followed by Bouches-du-Rhône (27) and Nord (25). In the Nord region, the use of these cameras is part of a recent pilot program. Sylvain Estager, mayor of Villeneuve-d'Ascq, explains that the cameras are used to monitor traffic offenses and illegal dumping, helping to optimize the work of local police.
Reactions to the cameras have been mixed. A passerby told BFMTV that the system is "smart and useful" due to the high frequency of uncivil behaviors, such as parking in unauthorized areas. On the other hand, a driver expressed concern about the financial burden on French people, noting that "currently, especially regarding the purchasing power of the French, people have no more money. If it is to touch the wallet again, it is a bit complicated."
Unlike traditional automatic speed cameras, these video-ticketing cameras are not always clearly marked, which can lead to accidental fines. To address this, Coyote has created an inventory of these locations using artificial intelligence and human verification. Stéphane Curtelin, product director at Coyote, says the company aims to help drivers avoid mistakes and traps on the road. This alert feature is available on all Coyote devices, including physical devices and mobile apps, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While community reporting is not currently possible, users will soon be able to report these areas themselves.
Obstructive parking and driving on reserved lanes make up the majority of video-ticketed offenses. However, there are certain situations in which a ticket can be canceled. For example, if a driver stops briefly at home to unload heavy luggage or to accompany an elderly person, they can provide proof of residence and a detailed explanation when filing a complaint on the ANTAI website. Coyote's spokesperson notes that as long as the stop is justified by an immediate need or a legitimate reason, the contestation process allows individuals to assert their rights. It is also important to remember that one should never immediately pay the fine if contesting it, as payment is considered a final acknowledgment of the offense.
French Video-Ticketing Cameras Issue 12.9 Million Tickets in One Year
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷BFMTV



