UNATTENDED PETROL STATIONS

ALL MOTORISTS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT UNATTENDED PETROL STATIONS DO NOT USUALLY ACCEPT DEBIT OR CREDIT CARDS ISSUED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE ONLY CARDS NORMALLY ACCEPTED AT THESE SITES ARE FRENCH ISSUED CARDS.

GOOD NEWS: WE HAVE BEEN RELIABLY INFORMED THAT SOME OF THESE PETROL STATIONS ARE NOW ACCEPTING U.K. ISSUED CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS. IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE THOSE CLOSE TO FERRY TERMINALS. HOWEVER THERE IS A SLIGHT DOWNSIDE, SO PLEASE READ THE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY AS YOU CAN ONLY DRAW UP TO 90€ OF FUEL AT ONE FILLING AND CANNOT RESTART THE PUMP TO GET A SECOND FILLING.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THESE SITES:

• INSERT CARD
• SELECT LANGUAGE
• ENTER PIN NUMBER
• ENTER VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER
• ENTER VEHICLE MILEAGE
• SELECT PUMP
• REMOVE CARD
• FILL VEHICLE
• INSERT CARD
• ENTER PIN NUMBER
• COLLECT RECEIPT
• REMOVE CARD



DRIVING IN FOG

This advice is issued by C.R.I.C.R.:

In the event of fog always use dipped headlights or fog lights and not just sidelights. Adapt your speed and distance to the conditions of visibility. Use your windscreen wipers regularly. Be very aware of the presence of the motorbikes and scooters (their red lights are not very visible) and especially pedestrians. Do not exceed the speed limits on single lane roads. Use your trafficators in plenty of time so that other road users are aware of your intentions.



WINTER DRIVING

Snow always rreduces visibility and creates icy road conditions.

* Always drive on dipped headlights
* Reduce your speed
* Use your engine as a brake
* Do not accellerate or brake sharply
* Keep your demisters on a very warm setting.
* Direct warm air towards the windscreen to avoid the windscreen wipers freezing to the windscreen.



NO SMOKING POLICY ON-BOARD FERRIES

All ferry companies aim to provide the highest standards of passenger services on board all their ships and to actively listen to all feedback that they receive from their customers.

They are aware that a considerable number of their passengers have been telling them that they would appreciate a non-smoking environment whilst travelling with them and they have therefore been giving this their careful consideration.

The vast majority of Ro-Pax ships are now non-smoking vessels for the following reasons that they believe are very valid in today’s environmental climate.

* The health and safety of their crews and passengers is of paramount importance to them and they believe that the introduction of this policy will ensure a cleaner, healthier travel experience for everyone
* Many of their passengers travel with young children, and passengers who accompany them have told them they would prefer a non-smoking environment for their children
* There is already legislation in Ireland, and some other countries, to ensure workers can work in a smoke-free environment to protect their health and they believe the introduction of this policy demonstrates their commitment to following best practice in the workplace for the staff on their ships
* They believe this policy would eliminate one of the potential fire hazards on board their ships

They do, of course, recognise that they carry passengers who do wish to smoke and they are therefore providing designated sheltered areas on the outside decks to accommodate them.
The ferry companies see the introduction of this policy as a positive step forward and they trust that their passengers will co-operate fully with their staff in ensuring that the non-smoking policy is adhered to.



TOWARDS A GREENER EUROPE


We actively support the European Union's funding programme for projects which shift freight transport from the road to sea, rail and inland waterways.

This means fewer trucks on the road and thus less congestion, less pollution, and more reliable and efficient transport of goods.

The current, second Marco Polo programme runs from 2007-13 and features:
• more money: the programme budget is €450 million Euros
• more themes: this programme includes "motorways of the sea" and "traffic avoidance" projects
• more countries: Countries bordering the EU are also now eligible for funding

If you are in the freight transport business? Take a close look by clicking the logo above to see how Marco Polo could help you realise your projects and free Europe's roads.

 TOWING A CARAVAN OR TRAILER

When you tow a caravan or trailer you are really the occasional driver of articulated vehicle, and will be confronted with problems of control, of unusual braking and handling. As such you should never exceed the 100 km/h, as you are now required to obey the rules that apply to articulated vehicles. Respect the local speed limits and pay particular attention on descents where there is a crosswind. In order to decrease the natural tendency of a caravan to wander due to the undulations on a motorway, take the following precautions before starting your journey: - Check the tyre pressures of all tyres including the spare wheel. Check all tow bars and tow hitches are in good condition, including the electrical systems. Distribute evenly and fasten the loads inside according to manufacturer's data sheets.

If the car-caravan combination is longer than 7 metres, you must ensure there is a gap of 50 metres between you and the vehicle in front.

On sections of motorways with more than two lanes, you can use only the two lanes on the right-hand side, even to overtake. As you are now prohibited from using the third or possibly the fourth lanes. Should the police stop you for ignoring this prohibition you are likely to be heavily fined and possibly have your licence withdrawn on the spot.

Because of under-inflation of tyres, punctures on motorway are twice as frequent with caravans and trailers. For any additional information about anything on this page, contact the C.R.I.C.R:



OUR WISH IS FOR YOU TO BE SAFE THIS SUMMER AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY IN FRANCE

• Work out your route carefully before setting off.
• Make sure your vehicle is well prepared.
• Make sure you are well rested before setting off and stop frequently.
• Comply with safety distances.
• Keep within speed limits and adapt your speed to the circumstances
• When it is very hot, take extra care. Check the state of your tyres regularly.
• Always fasten your seatbelt when travelling, in both front and rear seats.
• Make sure that all passengers are properly secured: more than 500 lives per year would be saved if everyone followed this rule.
• In a head-on collision at 70 km/h, an adult weighing 60 kg is transformed into a projectile of 1.8 tonnes!
• Without a seatbelt, a back-seat passenger is just as likely to be thrown out of the car as someone in the front, or could smash into the driver causing death or serious injury.



MOTORCYCLISTS

• Remember to fully equip yourself and your passenger.
• Do up your helmet.
• Even when it is hot, wear thick, resistant clothing, gloves and closed shoes, which protect your ankles.
• As of 2 March 2007, with a view to improving their safety and making you more visible to other drivers, all riders of two-wheeled vehicles must travel with their headlights dipped at all times (the existing requirement for motorbikes now includes light motorcycles and mopeds).



ADVICE FOR HGV DRIVERS

General rules for continent-to-UK traffic.

Illegal Immigration

To avoid the risk of financial penalties from the British Customs & Excise and Immigration authorities, please ensure that you comply with the procedures and simple advice given in this summary of the Code of Practice :

1. * loading :
2. - Check the tarpaulin (your ladder must be long enough to allow you to inspect the top). Repair all new tears. Note the total number of repairs in a log book (the log should be kept by the driver).
- Carry out a full inspection of the TIR cord, including the front (facing the cab) and the trailer.
- Ensure that your load is tightly packed, with no spaces. Alternatively, leave enough space between the items loaded in the trailer to allow a full inspection. If the truck is loaded right up to the door of the trailer, it is impossible to carry out a visual inspection without unloading the entire contents.

* while travelling and at each stopover :

Stops and driver rest periods should be scheduled as far away from terminals as possible.
- Carry out a full inspection of the vehicle and, when passing through the "inspection tunnels", notify staff of any new holes that have appeared since loading.
- Check under the chassis, on both sides of the trailer. Check the toolbox, luggage holds, etc.

These inspections must be noted in a log book kept by the driver. The log book must be presented to the authorities. It is the only proof of compliance with the Code of Practice.

Moreover, very stringent inspections have been introduced in the "Tourism" sector to check all foot passengers (cars, camper vans, coaches) to prevent any illegal immigrants boarding ferries.