Going to France this year?

[lacroupade]

In case you hadn't been for a while, or at all, you'll find that the majority of the autoroute toll booths (which have been bought out by a Spanish outfit) have been automated now.

Whereas before you could lean across and give your ticket/money to the operator (or get your passenger to do it - what are wives for after all?), they are now pretty much all automated for use of bank cards or 'tags' only. Because the machine is only about two feet off the deck, you have to get out to access it.........

But, the good news is you can get one of these automatic sensors that you stick in the window.....I can find the details if anyone is interested, but from memory you pay a 30 euro refundable deposit for the unit, plus a charge of 4 euros for each month during which you use the device, plus normal toll charges. That saves getting out of the vehicle at all as you just drive straight through the 'tag' line with no queueing....

I think the odd booth might still be manned on the biggest tolls, but all the small ones, especially where you leave the autoroute, are unmanned now....so if you try and exit with just cash in your hand you will be flummoxed, nay stuck!

I think I'm right in saying that if you have a small trailer you can still use the tag lane (theres a 2-metre height restriction) but caravans will mean you have to use the HGV lane and I think pay more. I'm trying to find out how big a trailer I can get away with in that lane as I want to take my twin axle IW trailer down and bring some building materials back - I guess it depends on how fast you drive through the barrier! I have seen reference to ensuring you hold back a bit as there are common instances of the tag opening the barrier for the person in front, and of course not then letting you through!

But plenty of stuff on Google for those interested...