Roadpol launches Europe-wide speed crackdown until August 9

Any Swiss drivers or holidaygoers travelling through Europe this week should take note: a major speed check week is taking place, coordinated by Roadpol (the network of European traffic police forces). It lasts until August 9, so watch your speeds on the road.

What drivers need to know

From August 3 to 9, during peak summer travel season, speed week is taking place across Europe. Extra police officers are deployed during this period, and more speed cameras are placed on roads across Germany, the Netherlands and several other countries taking part. 

Checks are usually focused on areas where accidents happen more often and near vulnerable locations, such as schools, construction sites, hospitals, kindergartens and nursing homes. 

Drivers caught speeding could face a fine or even the confiscation of their driving licence. 

Every German federal state except Bavaria, Saxony and Saarland is taking part in the operation. Unlike in April’s Blitzermarathon, there is no designated peak day for the checks, which means consistent enforcement will continue throughout the week. 

Anyone driving back to Switzerland after a summer holiday should take note and adhere to speed limits and road traffic signs. Even if you’re hopping over the border for some shopping on a Saturday, it’s best to be careful and pay attention.

What is Operation Speed?

Operation Speed is an annual, week-long campaign organised by Roadpol, with the goal of reducing the number of road victims by ensuring drivers follow traffic safety regulations. 

Of the more than 30 countries that are part of Roadpol, more than half participate in the “flash marathon” every year. 

While previous editions of the speed week proved successful in reducing the number of road victims by 25 percent, the effectiveness of the operation has been under debate for years.

The number of accidents during the campaign might decrease, but “the effects disappear completely as soon as the speed cameras are removed,” Stefan Bauernschuster, researcher at the University of Passau, told NDR.

This article originally appeared on IamExpat Germany.