Utopia Talk / Politics / Wreck the machines of oppression!

LazyCommunist Member	Fri Jan 11 11:01:02 The revolution is coming, I can feel it! http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46822472 Yellow vests knock out 60% of all speed cameras in France 10 January 2019 Members of the "yellow vests" protest movement have vandalised almost 60% of France's entire speed camera network, the interior minister has said. Christophe Castaner said the wilful damage was a threat to road safety and put lives in danger. The protest movement began over fuel tax increases, and saw motorists block roads and motorway toll booths. Some protesters feel speed cameras are solely a revenue-generating measure which takes money from the poor. The BBC's Hugh Schofield, in Paris, said evidence of the vandalism is visible to anyone driving around France, with radar cameras covered in paint or black tape to stop them working. But the extent of the damage - now believed to affect more than half of all 3,200 speed cameras in the country's network - was unknown until Mr Castaner's statement on Thursday. He said the devices had been "neutralised, attacked, or destroyed" by members of the protest movement. The yellow vests movement, or gilets jaunes in French, is named after the high-visibility vests that every driver in the country must keep in their vehicle. Speed limits in France were already controversial after the government lowered the limit on many main roads from 90km/h to 80km/h (50mph) early last year. Protesters angry about the increase in fuel taxes complained of the rising costs of a commute for those priced out of living in urban centres - and turned their ire on other costs such as toll roads and speed cameras. While the number of people attending weekend protests has dropped since the government made some small concessions, the conflict between the popular movement and the government remains a daily topic of debate in France. Just this week, the prime minister announced a crackdown on unsanctioned protests, while a former boxer filmed punching police officers has divided public opinion, with some claiming he was defending other protesters from police. And on Tuesday, the person picked to lead the country's planned "great debate" on the issues resigned over her €14,666 monthly salary (£13,200; $16,800).
Sam Adams Member	Fri Jan 11 11:04:06 80km per hour? What kind of pussy speed is that? I bet seb supports that.
Rugian Member	Fri Jan 11 11:20:20 50 mph? Lol yeah that's total bullshit. Also these yellow vest guys are heroes. Can we bring them over to destroy some of our traffic cams while they're at it?
Paramount Member	Fri Jan 11 11:28:19 ”Members of the "yellow vests" protest movement have vandalised almost 60% of France's entire speed camera network, the interior minister has said. ” It sounds like terrorism to me. France should deploy the army now and kill those ungrateful fuckers.
Seb Member	Sat Jan 12 14:45:21 90kmh to 80kmh is from 56 to 50. 90kmh roads in France are often through the middle of villages etc. 2 lane roads like this: https://goo.gl/images/GevtG1 Though I suspect they'd be better off focusing on the drink drivers. Driving in rural France you still see loads of nutters who are clearly pissed weaving all over the road.
Seb Member	Sat Jan 12 14:51:59 Four lane roads are 110 (70mph), motorway 130 (80mph). Thing is, European roads are often have lots of bends, and not necessarily flat. Looking at a few East coast States, its about the same.
Seb Member	Sat Jan 12 14:57:19 Plus an important point, you can drive 10- 20% over the limit before the French actually give a shit about enforcing speed limits. True in many European countries. I think in the US it's more rigorously enforced due to the fines being an important revenue stream for police. My 70 year old mum regularly drives from the Tunnel down to Dijon averaging about 90mph (i.e. often going well over 110mph for sections) without ever getting caught.
Seb Member	Sat Jan 12 15:00:46 In context then: they've lowered the actual speed limit from somewhere around 62 to 55. Yes, don't ask me why the French just don't pick a speed limit and then stick to that: as a culture they seem to revel in breaking the law.
hood Member	Sat Jan 12 15:02:23 "I think in the US it's more rigorously enforced" You would think wrong. I drove by plenty of cops going 10-20 over the limit on the drive to/from family and not a one bothered to move.
Seb Member	Sat Jan 12 16:36:58 "I drove by plenty of cops going 10-20 over the limit on the drive to/from family and not a one bothered to move." All I can say is American friends expressed surprise at the French approach of posting one set of speed limits but then observing a standard 10-20% margin as the actual limit somewhat odd.
The Children Member	Sat Jan 12 16:49:54 bring da fuckin wreckin crew
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