Thousands of Yellow Vest protesters have destroyed 60 percent of the speed cameras in France in response to the government’s lowering of speed limits last July.
The protests, which began in November as a protest to an environmentally friendly fuel tax, have expanded to an anti-globalist movement reflecting the values of millions of ordinary citizens.
Usnews.com reports: According to CNN, speed limits were decreased from 56 mph to 50 mph on two-lane highways – a decision officials made in an effort to reduce vehicle accidents and deaths.
BYPASS THE CENSORS
Sign up to get unfiltered news delivered straight to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use
But the protesters feel the speed cameras are only a way for the country to take money from poor, the BBC reported.
All around France, speed cameras are covered in paint or black tape that prevents them from taking photos of speeding cars’ license plates and sending the motorists a ticket.
“I saw on social networks a few fools who appear next to burnt speed cameras. I do not wish for them to one day face the reality of a death on the road. It’s not about figures, it’s about life,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.
In December, French media outlet Europe 1 reported that about half of all speed cameras in the country were rendered useless, while nearly 300 cameras had been destroyed completely.
Castaner described the speed cameras as “neutralized, attacked or destroyed” by the yellow vest protesters.
CNN reported that the damaged speed cameras are costing the country millions, with each camera running anywhere from $574 to $69,000, depending on the extent of the damage. It costs almost $91,860 to replace a camera entirely.
The country is also losing revenue from speeding tickets.
