Speeding fine revenue nosedives in France after wave of vandalism against radar machines by Yellow Vest protesters

• Only 600million euros of the billion forecast this year has been raised
• Last year, 93 per cent of radars were working, this year it has fallen to 75 per cent
• A new speed limit and Yellow Vest protests have seen a rise in the vandalism 

Revenues from speeding fines have been cut in half in France amid a ‘wave of unprecedented vandalism’ against the radar machines.

Only 600million euros of the billion forecast this year has been raised, with the Yellow Vest protesters and changing habits blamed by French authorities.

The government was hoping to boost revenues by installing more radars along motorways.

Revenues from speeding fines have been cut in half in France amid a ‘wave of unprecedented vandalism’ against the radar machines

But the Yellow Vest protests, which started in November last year, have affected their takings.

Beforehand, Radar revenue was climbing with an all-time high figure of 824.7million euros in 2017, according to RFI.

But last year’s takings fell to 682.7million euros and it is believed 2019’s total could be even lower.

The decline has been blamed on violence against the radars.

Yellow Vest protesters have been blamed for the vandalism of radar machines on French roads

A new speed limit on secondary highways of 80 kilometres per hour provoked anger while the violent Yellow Vest protests saw action against the radars.

In 2017 and 2018, 93 per cent of radars were working, but this year it has dropped to 75 per cent, mainly due to vandalism.

The government is hoping the decline in revenue is because more people are driving at the speed limit.

The documents also noted a small drop in the average speed of tourist vehicles.

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