Only in places with higher racer density. Yeah right... That's the justification for getting the cameras there in the first place is it? the cost probably isn't higher, it's just that the old hideous units are paid for already, so throwing them away and putting the new ones costs a lot more.

I think once they see the increasing revenue rolling in the new units will pop up everywhere. I guess we could look on the bright side - the new units, while not attractive are a heck of a lot less ugly than the older models!!!

Not quite correct. Kanton Appenzeller Ausserrhoden just installed 3 of these new laser cameras (Heiden, Teufen , and Herisau). Strangely enough they still use the old 5km/h tolerance.

What I have found most sneaky is new redlight cameras in St.Gallen that double as speed cameras, even in the middle of the night when the traffic lights are switched off. Got me once for 56.

Still, check out http://www.roadmc.com for speeding restriction in Europe. Glad we aren't in Norway, where in enforcement is strict and jail sentences are not unusual for speeding.

That information came from Zurich's Stadtpolizei in a newspaper article. Their representative stated that the 3km/h limit was from the Bund, and they weren't happy about it either (yeah right!). If it is done differently in another canton that doesn't necessarily mean that the limit doesn't come from the bund, it could simply mean that they are choosing (probably illegally) to ignore it. But look at it this way - it's better for you if you live there.

Mark

the wife got a tug last night on the autobahn exit - checking vignettes.

They must've been pleased to see the 2005 one stuck to the back of the 2006 one and held with the plastic thingy that my car has.

Now I have to scrape the bloody thing off!

Basically Bern decides what the MINIMUM tolerance allowable for a particular speed measuring instrument, based on its accuracy variations. Amphometers (sensors in the road) and doppler radar have lower accuracy than laser.

In effect, Zürich, in their quest to fill their coffers, have elected the 3km/h minimum set by Bern. Appenzell (which I see as the swiss equivalent to Texas), have deemed such draconian measures might upset or confuse the simple folk and have stuck with the 5km/h tolerance given to older devices.

As far as locations go, the Twixtel Route has cameras marked on all their updates.

Another thing to keep an eye on is your Emission control. Mine ran out in July because I was too busy with work to get my car to the garage. Then I had some friends from home visit and we went for a casino night. Apart from doing my *ss on Black Jack, on the way home I got pulled in for a check. As soon as I got waved in I said to my mate "I'm done, I will get a ticket". Fortunately I played "Dumb ignorant aussie" and it worked. I got a warning, I had 5 days to get it fixed to escape the fine, which I did. The fines for that can also be pretty expensive.

Well that's interesting. Zurich were basically saying that their hands were tied in the matter, but I didn't know there was a minimum tolerance. Well it just goes to show that you can't believe everything the police tell you

Regarding you being pulled over after the casino - I bet they were interested in your stickers, but you didn't get checked for alcohol did you?

Lob Rockster (story 2 posts above) - I bet it was the same here as well - right?

Mark

No, I didn't get breath tested, which annoyed me incredibly. I don't drink alcohol at all, but I consider two things in Switzerland to be more enforcement-worthy than speeding (and stickers). These are:

• Alcohol
• Seatbelts

Seatbelt compliance in Switzerland is poor, especially off the motorways, and especially with kids.

I accused my wife with the words "just how f--king fast were you going?" to find it was a sticker-check.

S T I C K E R C H E C K

no docs demanded. Licence, nada.

Agreed! Next time I get pulled up for some stupid sticker or piece of paper I'm going to insist on a breath test...

exit Pfäffikon again last night, Kapo out looking at stickers. Merc S class, come on down, the sticker ain't right.

And the lucky biker behind who did not have to take his seat off

Very interesting chat!
I have (what once was) a state of the art super-radar detector. It detects x,y and Lazar and is undetectable by the police radar sniffers. It works perfectly but I have not used it in Switzerland simply because I am terrified of the fine I might get if they find it at a border crossing or some other search. Anyone have any idea what that fine might be?

Also, is there any break-down of the speeding fines? I have had about 3 or 4 in the last seven years and they all seem to be either 125 or 250 chf.

Also is there a break down for the drink driving fines? I have heard about shocking amounts....

I have heard all those cheap pocket testers aren't accurate...I would love to hear of your experiences!

http://www.roadmc.com has a breakdown of fines for the EU/ and Switzerland.

Today, I've paid 120 francs stupid tax in person.

Green Omega estate on the A3 ZH725xxx, blacked-out windows and I passed him with my clock showing nearly 160kph, I reckon.

With over-reading that was 145kph. Frequent offence discount of 8% and I was down to 133kph.

Also let off with a warning for not indicating on lane changes (100 francs potentially) especially on a bike where it's dangerous (no way ).

Grand to meet the lads in person mind you Rather than just having my picture taken.....

Damn - unlucky you!

I lose my license for one month at the end of this one...

All because my radar detector crashed... it's GPS based (tomtom) and I thought I should mess around with the software which caused it to crash roughly 500 metres away from the camera that caught me!

560 CHF fine - 150 CHF to take away my license (WTF??!).

..but at the end of the day it was my fault.

Tony - just how fast was your fast?

ahem... well... stammer, tut tut... lol

I was 1km below 'infraction grave' in a 'local' area.

I swear m'lud, it was only for 10 extremely brief seconds...

pffff, the injustice of fixed camera radar.

(79km/h in a 50km/h zone)

stupid me!

ah you see town speeding, kittens could be killed.
my cops were actually not too worried about it - but they took quite a way to catch up with me....

my kitten was sat in the back at the time...

I don't speed as a rule.. in years gone-by I'm sure I would have had the oportunity to explain why I did what I did, it certainly was for thrill seeking I assure you.

Anyway what's done is done - the big streak of p*** is the fact that there are no cars limited to 45km/h available for rent until after my july.

One place didn't have any availble until the end of the year!

It's a little out of control here in Geneva me thinks...

The worst speeding fine I have heard of is CHF3500 for going 225kph on the mototway plus 3 days in jail which was suspended for 2 years, 3 month driving ban and a day in court. This was the minimum for the offence!

Lou

I take it they got on your six and checked your speed from behind? I would be interesting to know what they use for a measuring device. If it is the stock speedo I would then be interested to know how and how often it is calibrated and what increments it has. Also good to know would be the minimum distance at that speed you would need to be followed...I would say a good 600m minimum with a 2 sec. gap would be prudent.

Suprised an estate would be set up for this. Blacked out windows are always a bad sign, as are strange aerials or bumps that look..."aftermarket".