TIME89
01-07-2010, 08:22 AM
A Swiss millionaire has been handed down a record speeding fine of $290,000 (£180,000) by a court.
The man was reportedly caught driving a red Ferrari Testarossa at 137km/h (85mph) through a village.
The penalty was calculated based on the unnamed motorist's wealth - assessed by the court as $22.7m (£14.1m) - and because he was a repeat offender.
It is more than double Switzerland's previous record speeding fine - handed to a Porsche driver in Zurich in 2008.
In the latest case, the motorist was clocked speeding 57km/h (35mph) faster than the limit, according to a statement on the website of the cantonal court in St Gallen, in eastern Switzerland.
"The accused ignored elementary traffic rules with a powerful vehicle out of a pure desire for speed," the court said in its judgement.
Swiss media reported that the man owns a villa with five luxury cars, including the Ferrari.
The tycoon was reportedly driving a Ferrari 57km/h (35mph) over the limit
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47059000/jpg/_47059275_002214307-1.jpg
Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8446545.stm) to original post
The man was reportedly caught driving a red Ferrari Testarossa at 137km/h (85mph) through a village.
The penalty was calculated based on the unnamed motorist's wealth - assessed by the court as $22.7m (£14.1m) - and because he was a repeat offender.
It is more than double Switzerland's previous record speeding fine - handed to a Porsche driver in Zurich in 2008.
In the latest case, the motorist was clocked speeding 57km/h (35mph) faster than the limit, according to a statement on the website of the cantonal court in St Gallen, in eastern Switzerland.
"The accused ignored elementary traffic rules with a powerful vehicle out of a pure desire for speed," the court said in its judgement.
Swiss media reported that the man owns a villa with five luxury cars, including the Ferrari.
The tycoon was reportedly driving a Ferrari 57km/h (35mph) over the limit
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47059000/jpg/_47059275_002214307-1.jpg
Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8446545.stm) to original post