Two out of three motorists exceed speed limits on major highways leading into Helsinki

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The substantial pile-ups on motorways leading into Helsinki, which took place a year ago on March 17th 2005, appear to have been forgotten already. Motorists are again exceeding the speed limits along the main highways leading into the Finnish capital. During speed surveillance on Tuesday, two out of three drivers were found to be exceeding the posted winter speed limits.
     
One out of ten motorists drove at speeds of 111 to 119 kilometres per hour, which brings only an on-the-spot fine when the road’s speed limit is 100 kilometres per hour. On the other hand, 21 out of the sample of 1,500 drivers drove even faster subjecting them to day-fines, which are based on the offenders’ net income. At the time of the surveillance, the road surface was dry, the weather was partly cloudy, and the visibility was good.
     
Traffic was monitored on three major motorways leading out of Helsinki those leading to Hämeenlinna, to Lahti and to Porvoo. Police monitored driving speeds between 8.00 a.m. and 10.55 a.m., because last year’s accidents took place in the morning when people were commuting to work.
      The measurements were made in the vicinity of last year’s accidents. A surveillance camera equipped with a radar gun was taking pictures in each location for 30 minutes.
      According to Police Sergeant Jarkko Pulkkinen of the Helsinki Police Department, Tuesday’s results represent the typical pattern of everyday traffic fairly well.
      Currently, the Finnish Road Administration is looking into possibilities of installing traffic control systems with signs displaying constantly updated driving information along the major highways in the Greater Helsinki area. The project would cost around EUR 30 million.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  At least three dead as pile-ups cause morning traffic havoc on roads into Helsinki (17.3.2005)
  Most Finns who have received speeding tickets find traffic fines "useful" (17.2.2005)
  Winter speed limits to be tightened (30.8.2004)

Links:
  Police: Speed Surveillance
  Finnish Road Administration

Helsingin Sanomat