Mayor creates a “prank” with fake speed cameras

Fake speed cameras installed in Malemort, France, drew attention after the city hall placed equipment identical to official ones to try to reduce speeding on a local road, without issuing fines to drivers and using only the psychological effect of enforcement.

Fake speed cameras are being used in Malemort, Corrèze, to encourage drivers to respect the speed limit on a local road without issuing fines. The initiative was adopted by Mayor Laurent Darthou.

Equipment mimics real enforcement

The devices installed in the city, near Brive-la-Gaillarde, look identical to real speed cameras, but they do not record infractions or flash cameras at vehicles exceeding the permitted limit.

The UDI mayor’s intention is to influence driver behavior through the perception of enforcement. Laurent Darthou told TF1 that there is no financial penalty and that the measure helps reduce speed.

Speed cameras have warning signs

To make the action more convincing, warning signs were placed 100 meters before the two fake speed cameras. The strategy reinforces the sense of control on the local road chosen by the city hall, without turning the equipment into direct punishment.

Each device cost €1,000. The installation was presented as a form of awareness and prevention in road safety, without charging drivers caught exceeding the speed limit in the city.

Measure already attempted by individuals

Similar traps had already been used by individuals in France, but this type of initiative is considered illegal when it does not come from a competent authority. In Malemort’s case, the situation was handled differently.

Vincent Berton, prefect of Corrèze, told TF1 that the local mayor is also the police authority in his municipality. Therefore, he has the right to take police measures within the city.

With this understanding, the action will continue. The fake speed cameras remain a preventive resource, seeking to reduce speed without issuing fines to drivers. The goal is for everyone to benefit, without generating citations for drivers.

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