Overspeeding Duck Caught on Traffic Police Speed Camera

Authorities in the municipality of Köniz, located near Switzerland’s capital, Bern, have confirmed an unusual traffic violation involving a mallard duck.

According to a statement posted over the weekend on the town’s official Facebook page, a duck was recently recorded flying at 52 kilometers per hour (32 mph) in a 30 km/h zone.

The infraction occurred on April 13 when the duck triggered a roadside speed camera. Local police initially reviewed the radar image expecting to see a vehicle but were surprised to find the image clearly showed a mallard in flight.

Similar Sighting in 2017

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered a remarkably similar case recorded in the same location on the same date in 2017. In that instance, a duck matching the appearance of the recent bird was also documented flying at exactly 52 kilometers per hour.

The municipality acknowledged the coincidence and said it had considered whether the event could be a belated April Fool’s joke or a doctored image. However, those suspicions were dismissed following a review of the technical safeguards in place.

System Integrity Confirmed

Köniz police, along with the cantonal police inspectorate, confirmed that the radar system and associated imaging equipment are routinely calibrated and verified by the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The municipality emphasized that the equipment is tamper-proof, and the images captured are sealed and cannot be altered.

No Penalty Issued

As the offender is a wild animal, no formal citation or fine will be issued. However, the municipality shared the incident as a rare and amusing example of what traffic enforcement occasionally encounters. The case has drawn widespread attention since it was first reported by the Berner Zeitung newspaper.