Hyogo Prefecture has a looming problem with some of its highway speed cameras, first installed in 1976. Around 40% still use film to capture the images of overenthusiastic drivers but the production of this film stopped in 2007. Despite purchasing large quantities before manufacturers closed down the lines for good, the prefecture is now coming to the end of its available inventory. Digital cameras would seem to be the obvious alternative and many are already in use. However, the cost of one digital installation is estimated to be, somewhat remarkably, 50 million yen and Hyogo finds itself strapped for cash. With 29 locations needing a digital upgrade, the project would appear to require 1.45 billion yen. There is an outside prospect that the film will run out before new cameras can be introduced.
Source (Japanese)