In Switzerland a Swedish man has set what is thought to be a world record, for the largest speeding fine ever. In Switzerland driving penalties are set in proportion to the offender's income and the fine was over e791,000. The man was driving his high performance Mercedes SLS on the A12 highway between Berne and Lausanne when he was stopped by police for exceeding the speed limit. He was driving the e170,000 car at speeds of up to 300km/h, somewhat in excess of Switzerland's maximum 120km/h limit and the police were less than impressed by the man's need for such haste. This is also the highest speed ever recorded on a Swiss highway, although it is an estimate (based on his time between various points on the highway) as the country's speed cameras only read accurately up to 192km/h. The man claimed that the speedometer on the car was faulty and said he was unaware that he was exceeding the limit. The Swiss authorities were unimpressed with his excuse, aware that the German made Mercedes vehicles are known for their reliability as well as the accuracy of their instrumentation.
