Spain's War on Speed, Part I

Here's a clever idea:

Photo taken on the road between Fuente De and Potes, Cantabria, Spain, June 5, 2007.

These mechanisms are all over the north of Spain. To reduce the number of drivers who speed through little towns, these traffic lights are attached to a radar gun that automatically turns them red if the approaching car is traveling above the posted speed limit. Once the driver slows to the permitted speed, the light turns to a flashing amber.

While very annoying, I think this is actually one of the most effective traffic control devices I've ever seen. Lots of American small towns could really make use of them, I think--though then again it would probably make it a lot harder for the local police to issue tickets!