Caravan Toll Charges on French Autoroutes

[WatsonJohnG]

I attended a "seminar" at our local dealer yesterday and the speaker stated the toll charges on French motorways are governed by the height of the vehicle from the front axle to the roof above it so caravans are in Class 1 the same as cars

Several of us pointed out that they are in Class 2 and Googling tolls says to expect 50% more when towing a caravan

We were told that operatives could overcharge and people weren't in a position to argue with a queue of cars behind them

We were also told to take credit cards but not debit cards as they could be cloned

 

[otherclive]

The Caravan Club Europe touring guide shows that vans attract a higher charge than solo cars. Was the info at the seminar correct?

 

[Lutz]

When JohnG talks about the height of the vehicle at the front axle, this means the height of the highest vehicle at its front axle, not necessarily the front axle of the complete outfit, i.e. the towcar's front axle. The caravan will usually be the highest vehicle. With a single axle caravan it's obvious that they mean the height of the caravan above that axle. If it's a twin axle, it's the height at the front axle that counts (usually there won't be much of a difference between the front and rear because they are so close together, but the French are specific and it is conceivable that someone has a funny trailer where the roof is sloping a lot).

In effect, it means that outfits will normally always be rated as Category 2.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The information was clearly not correct but the speaker was not willing to listen to those who new better!!

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The Caravan Club Europe touring guide shows that vans attract a higher charge than solo cars. Was the info at the seminar correct?

He was waving the CC guide and obviously read it wrong

 

[Lutz]

Here's the information, straight from the horse's mouth, as it were:

http://www.autoroutes.fr/preparez-votre-voyage/classification-des-vehicules.html

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Here's the information, straight from the horse's mouth, as it were:

http://www.autoroutes.fr/preparez-votre-voyage/classification-des-vehicules.html

Thanks Lutz you are a star

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The speaker also informed us that the French police will stop you to see if you have your high viz jacket on when you get out of the vehicle and then fine you etc

Do you have to as stated keep the jacket more or less at arms length or is it acceptible to have it in the car boot and immediately put it on in an emergency??

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Watson(JohnG),

You have to have it inside the car where it will be easy to get at in case of an accident. If it was in the car boot and you got shunted, then you will be rather stuck to say the least,

best regards, Martin

 

[Happy-Lappy]

should have added most french and spanish drivers have them wrapped round the seats, so the are easy to get at in a hurry,

best regards, Martin

 

[Lutz]

The speaker also informed us that the French police will stop you to see if you have your high viz jacket on when you get out of the vehicle and then fine you etc

Do you have to as stated keep the jacket more or less at arms length or is it acceptible to have it in the car boot and immediately put it on in an emergency??

If can reach the boot without getting out of the car, you'll be alright.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Thanks for the replies

I will have to rearrange things

Possibly vast stocks of sweets reduced or carried in the boot

We always had them in the front but the lockers in this car are different

Possibly OS maps out of seat pockets and hign viz jacket in

Its a nice day for major rearrange!!

 

[TD42]

I have been informed that you must have the vest on BEFORE you get out of the car,The reason the french have the vests on the back of the seats is so that police can see it & probably will not bother to stop you

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Vests now installed in front door pockets and have considered putting them over the seat backs before the Brittany trip in May/June

 

[Peter_374293316]

Vests now installed in front door pockets and have considered putting them over the seat backs before the Brittany trip in May/June

Watson(JG)

Putting your Hi Viz jacket on the seat back (as many French are now doing) may affect the deployment of side impact airbags, depending on your vehicle.

If necessary keep them in your front door pockets or in the nets/pockets behind the front seats. The French fit them to their front seats in the(probably mistaken)hope the gendarmerie will see the bright yellow/orange and not stop them for a spot check.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Thanks Peter

We have 6 weeks to decide what to do!!!