By the end of 2025, the roads in Rhône will see radar cars driven by employees of a private company. Previously limited to gendarmes, these cars, entrusted to the company OTC through a public contract, will patrol daily to spot speeding violations, in addition to the existing fixed and mobile radars.
A system already in place in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Named “Dexter”, this system is already active in several departments of the region. Since mid-May in Puy-de-Dôme, early July in Ain, last Friday in Drôme, and starting August 16 in Loire. Rhône will be next on the list as soon as the prefecture has approved the routes with the Departmental Directorate of Territories.
Priority target: major speeding violations
The goal set by road safety is clear: target the places where speeds are really too high. A technical margin is applied: +10 km/h for speed limits below 100 km/h, and +10% beyond that. In other words, on a motorway limited to 130, you'll need to exceed 143 km/h to get caught.
Outsourcing allows for almost constant monitoring. Unlike traditional patrols, these private vehicles can roam more frequently and during varied time slots, including early in the morning or late at night, thus increasing pressure on rushed... or reckless drivers.