British Drivers Face Obstacles in France
British drivers heading to France have a blind spot for new safety rules.
A fortnight after it became law for all cars in France to carry a high visibility safety vest, less than half of British motorists sailing from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries were up to speed.
Drivers arriving for sailings were asked if they complied with the legislation. More than half - 56 per cent - didn’t. “The message simply hasn’t got through,” said the ferry company’s Brian Rees. “It’s cheap and easy to comply, so it is crazy not to stay on the right side of the law with this one. It makes safety sense anyway, ” he added.
More than one million cars travel with P&O Ferries to France each year and the company has some top tips for motorists:
* Slow to 50km/h in villages, even when there are no speed limit signs. The village name sign marks the start of the reduced speed zone, which ends when you reach the village name sign with a line through it.
* You can be 17 and drive in the UK - but in France the minimum age is 18.
* Beware of flashers! In the UK, flashing your headlights is usually to help an on-coming vehicle take priority. In France it means: “I’m coming through.”
* Diesel is still about 20 per cent cheaper in France than the UK. Best fuel prices are at the hypermarkets, which are often close to motorway exits.
* Be even more kind and courteous to cyclists. In the land of the Tour de France anyone on a bike is a superior form of life, no matter how they look in Lycra.
All drivers must also carry a warning triangle with them when travelling in Europe. They are only £16.99 and can help to prevent further calamity in the event of a breakdown:
You can avoid all of those problems by getting on a bike yourself - you can still travel with P&O for a cheap way to see the continent. See our picks of the best reflective jackets for cyclists - just click on the images to find out more:
Respro Hi-Viz Waistcoat £14.99 - also available in children’s sizes
Altura Night Vision Jacket £64.99
Gore Bikewear Cosmo Jacket £89.99
Gore Bikewear Phantom Jacket £99.99
Altura Reflex Waterproof Jacket £99.99
Cross II Jacket £120
Gore Bikewear Countdown Jacket £139.99
And lastly, don’t forget to find some decent insurance that covers breakdown in Europe as well
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