Public swimming facility Centre Sportif Richard Bozon in Chamonix, southern France, has won the first Vulture Central 'Reinventing the Wheel' trophy.

This acknowleges an exceptional contribution to the totally unnecessary application of technology in solving a problem which never existed in the first place.

Pushing back the envelope of human technological advancement, and with total disregard for the maxim: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it', French boffins have unveiled the world's first automatic changing cubicle door.

The e-cubicle has dispensed with the laughably crude vacant/engaged bolt arrangement. In its place comes an array of motion sensors which, when provoked into action by the vigorous rubbing of towels, activates a red light outside.

This clearly indicates that the cubicle is occupied. Once the the cubicle is vacated, a green light demonstrates its availability.

The doors have no locks, and so the whole thing relies entirely on pool users obeying the 'traffic light' system. No problem there - the French are regarded as among the most responsible and disciplined drivers in Europe. But how will the e-cubicle measure up when the Chamonix Severely Colour Blind Association drops in for a dip? ®