Latest news France - driving
Planning on driving in France on Saturday 2 August this year? The official advice is: you might want to think about changing the date. The French government have already put up their calendar of ‘black days’ for drivers and if you’re out and about in your car on 2 August, then expect to have a lot of company on the roads. And that goes for Friday 1 August too.
Furthermore, if you’re travelling after 1 July 2008, then you are required by law to carry both a high visibility jacket as well as a warning triangle in your car. The jacket must be kept in the main part of the car – not the boot – so that you can put it on before exiting the vehicle; the warning triangle, should it need to be used, must be strategically placed at least 30 metres from the car to warn other drivers of a potential hazard ahead. Failure to carry either item will result in a €90 (£72) on-the-spot fine.
The AA’s Andrew Howard, head of road safety, offers this common-sense advice for British drivers in France: ‘Any driving contravention could result in a day out of your holiday, not to mention you being out of pocket. I always say, when in Rome – or France – do as the French. Where there’s bi-lateral parking for example that allows parking on one side of the street on certain days and on the other side on different days, take your lead from the car in front; if people aren’t parked somewhere, it’s usually for good reason. Also, the French are employing speed cameras and speed checks as well as random checks much more than they did in the past so you should drive sensibly and safely at all times.’
Ken Faulkner, head of travel services at the Caravan Club adds to this: ‘One of the most important things for anyone motoring overseas to remember is that they check with, and inform, their insurers as to the countries in which they intend to travel. They should also carry both the original and copies of their insurance certificate along with a valid MOT certificate (if relevant) and V5 certificate (log book) for the car or motor caravan. It is also illegal in France to have any equipment – including satellite navigation systems – that has a detection facility for laser or radar speed checking. This applies even if that part of the equipment is switched off however, any such systems which only show the location of fixed cameras are legal. Spare bulbs for all vehicles must also be carries at all times and the use of daytime running lights is recommended.’
If you’re heading across the Channel this summer in your car, then you will be joining millions of other road users, French and otherwise. The French government’s Bison Futé, directly translated as ‘cunning bison’, is actually a body that monitors conditions on the road and has a website that gives real-time travel information in French and English. Their driving conditions calendar can also be downloaded here.
Ferry company Norfolkline, states that their forward bookings for July and August are looking very good and Robin Wilkins, MD of SeaFrance states: ‘Summer bookings are expected to be as good as last year, but the major trend we’re really noticing this year is towards late booking. During May, bookings really surged, so passengers intending to travel over July and August are advised to make travel plans as soon as they are able, to ensure they get the best fares and the sailings of choice.’
Having a car in France certainly opens up a whole host of opportunities and the French government tourist board’s website has a specific section dedicated to driving. While the public transport system is comprehensive, there are some destinations that are more easily accessed by car and the best bit? You can stop and make detours at will to make the most of your trip to France.
www.bisonfute.equipement.gouv.frhttp://uk.franceguide.com