Messages

1

General Discussion / Re:Gendarmes: Operation 24 Heures du Mans

« on: June 08, 2004, 11:59:23 pm »

No points on your licence, no comeback in the UK but:

- Up to 40Kmh over the limit: 90 Euro on the spot fine

- 40-50kmh over: 135 Euro court deposit, licence retained, possible immobilisation of vehicle

- More than 50kmh over: 750 Euro court deposit, licence retained, possible immobilisation of vehicle

The good news is, you may get part of the money back because it is technically a bail bond not a fine. The bad news is, you have to pay in cash or they impound your car.

The moral of the story? carry cash and have a spare insured driver in the car. Enjoy!

2

2007 and earlier / Re:Bousejour wanted!

« on: April 09, 2004, 01:17:18 pm »

I bought a ticket on the Saturday last year (from the caravan by the entrance)

3

General Discussion / Speeding in France

« on: February 17, 2004, 10:38:09 pm »

There's been a lot of rubbish in the press recently about France prosecuting brit drivers for speeding - most of it is just hype, so here's some reassurance. France HAS been doing a clampdown of sorts on speeding, and they're particularly unhappy about brit bikers who hop across the channel for some full throttle action, and they're imposing nasty fines - but you still can't be banned in the UK for speeding in France. The French say they want to talk to the British govt about an agreement on bans - yeah, right - so when did those two governments agree on anything? Even if it happens, it won't be for a while. There is already an EU agreement on recognising bans for serious stuff like dangerous driving, but even that isn't in force yet. And you can still get away with more in France.

4

It Happened To Me / Re:But m'sieu, you are nicked!

« on: January 15, 2004, 08:13:32 pm »

Fair point, Steve. Jail at least. Couldn't happen to a nicer bloke.

Does seem that the French coppers are deliberately targeting Brits now though, especially on the way to Le Mans. The speed traps are well hidden, too - so maybe its more about raising cash than slowing people down.

5

It Happened To Me / But m'sieu, you are nicked!

« on: January 15, 2004, 02:15:35 am »

My mate Tim fell victim to the speedtrap sting on the Rouen route last year... 120mph in a 55 zone, but still.

700 euro on the spot fine and banned from driving his Lotus in the land of garlic breath, threatened with arrest and confiscation of vehicle. At the time, they were also booking 2 Ferraris and an M3.

Lucky he had the cash, or he could have ended up picking up the soap for Monsieur Big.

6

2007 and earlier / Wanted - camping tickets for Houx Annexe

« on: January 14, 2004, 09:55:55 pm »

Does anyone have one or two Houx Annexe tickets to spare for 2004? I need some extras.

7

General Discussion / Re:Rip off ferry prices

« on: July 14, 2003, 05:24:06 pm »

I'm signed - but I don't think it'll do much good. One of the reasons prices get so high is the EC allowed P&O and Stena to join forces on several cross channel routes. They also banned duty free, which the operators made a lot of their profits out of. Can't see them admitting its all their fault, can you?

btw - P&O were sneaky this year - I tried to order motorbike tickets on the Le Havre route in March and I was quoted £540 per ticket. I ended up paying £100 in June. So much for booking early.

8

General Discussion / French police get nasty

« on: June 19, 2003, 12:18:28 pm »

Commiserations to anyone who fell foul of the police speedtrap sting on the way down this year. A mate of mine got fined 750 Euros and banned for six months for giving it large in his Lotus. At 750 a throw, they must be making a mint....Anyway, the rule is, up to 50kmh over the limit, you get a fine of up to 135 Euros. More than 50kmh, goodnight sweetheart - banned from driving in France, massive fines payable in cash on the spot and possible confiscation of vehicle.

They use a camera and have road blocks at successive roundabouts.  Watch out next year!  

9

2007 and earlier / Motorcycle ferry ticket for sale

« on: June 05, 2003, 01:23:15 pm »

I have a spare ferry ticket for the Portsmouth Cherbourg route, depart Thurs 12th June 23.45 (includes club class seat), return 16.30 Moday 16th

originally cost £105, reasonable offers considered.