Tuesday 24 June 2008

Speed cameras on the slopes

Switzerland is reportedly trying to cut down on the number of skiing accidents by introducing speed cameras onto the slopes.

State-run Insurance company Swiss Accident Insurance (Suva), is set to bring in speed traps as part of a safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of winter sport-related accidents.

Officials carrying hand-held radar speed devices will be deployed to catch speeders, any one caught speeding could have their ski pass confiscated or get stung with a fine.


The scheme is said to have been prompted by figures showing a dramatic increase in ski-related accidents in Switzerland.

Reports suggest there were over 70,000 accidents on Swiss ski slopes last year.
Suva spokeswoman Angela Zobrist said: “This is not another fun-spoiling campaign of the health and safety brigade and we don’t intend to raise a warning finger to all snow sport lovers.

"It is a genuine safety concern. You do not realise how fast you go, which can prove to be really dangerous if you impact with another skier or have any other incident.”

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