Road accident hotspot in Normandy prompts calls for speed camera action
Local authorities want speed camera installed ‘without consultation’ to be placed in better location
Several fatalities have been recorded at the intersection in recent years. Photo for illustrative purposes only
Alexandre Prevot/Shutterstock
Authorities in Normandy are looking to curb accidents at a notoriously dangerous stretch of road by altering the location of a speed camera installed along the route.
The RD918 at Crulai (Orne) heading north towards L’Aigle is the site of several major accidents over the years, including a number of fatalities.
An intersection with two other roads in the area – one of which is another departmental road – has seen frequent collisions.
In December 2022, the government installed a speed camera at the intersection, although this has done little to reduce the number of accidents.
The most recent accident took place at the start of this month, and saw five people hospitalised after a collision between two vehicles.
The positioning of speed cameras in France is a cause for frequent debate.
Some believe that they are placed with more of an aim to increase state revenue than to prevent accidents.
Earlier this year, Italy reformed its speed camera laws to ensure they were focused on tackling accidents.
Speed camera installed ‘without consultation’
Local officials are therefore looking at ways to stamp out accidents, deeming the current camera ineffective.
Around 5,000 vehicles pass along the route each day.
“The accident rate is directly linked to this high traffic volume, and it is undeniable that user behaviour is, in many cases, directly responsible,” said president of Orne’s departmental council Christophe de Balorre, quoted in local media Actu.
“The number of accidents and their location, which is clearly concentrated in a specific area, are cause for concern,” Mr de Balorre added.
Following a visit to the site this week, a request to move the camera to a new location along the road prior to the intersection has been made.
“I will support the municipality's request to the Prefect to relocate the device, in order to increase its effectiveness and encourage people to slow down,” said Mr de Balorre.
“At the same time, I will request targeted speed enforcement on this section of the RD 918,” he added.
This may come in the form of police authorities stationed at the intersection, or unmarked radar patrol vehicles along the route.
Authorities also criticised the initial implementation of the speed camera and “the lack of consultation during its implementation by the State,” Mr de Balorre said.
Several attempts to reduce accidents
Speed limits along the road were reduced in 2024, following a report on the number of accidents.
Previously set at 90 km/h, the speed limit was reduced to 70 km/h along parts of the route including at the intersection.
Recently, the limit was further extended past the intersection to the next exit road.
Alongside the request to move the speed camera, officials agreed on several other measures.
Road markings along the route are set to be reviewed, namely looking to reduce attempts at overtaking and make warnings over potential collisions when turning clearer.
A study already underway in the area, covering not only the RD918 but also several other roads, is looking at the potential to change road signage as well as redesign access to certain roads in the area.
