If you take one of these motorways in France, you will have to keep your eyes peeled, because discreet tolls, without barriers, are appearing. Victoire simply didn’t see it…
Taking the highway to go on a weekend or family vacation can be expensive. In addition to filling up with gas, motorists must also take into account possible tolls depending on the route taken. But for Victoire, who was organizing a getaway to the north with friends, taking the highway ultimately cost her more than her hotel night! “I didn’t see that there was a toll at all, there was no barrier!” is surprised by the young woman who received a hefty fine, with an increase of 375 euros! Indeed, few people have had the opportunity to test these brand new tolls which have taken place on certain motorways in France.
For the moment, the A79 motorways in the Allier department as well as the A13 and A14 axis located between Paris and Normandy are affected by this new system. The objective? “Making journeys smoother, more peaceful and more ecological”estimates the Ministry of Transport. What exactly is it about? It’s called “free-flow tolling” which is simply a toll highway, but without a toll barrier. Which explains why Victoire did not realize that she had to pay… For the government, removing the barriers would also reduce the risk of collisions, spend less time on the road and save fuel. .
How does it work? By moving to the free-flow toll level, the gantries automatically calculate what each motorist must pay during the journey. The latter are then invited to pay the amount of the toll, within 72 hours, directly online via the motorway company website, by bank card, or at a tobacconist or press house equipped with the Nirio system (edited by Française des jeux), by credit card or in cash. An additional step which is not really practical, believes Victoire… However, if you have a correctly attached electronic toll badge, you do not have to do anything.
Also, if you do not pay your toll within 72 hours, you risk receiving a payment notice including the amount of the unpaid toll, accompanied by a fixed compensation of 90 euros (reduced to 10 euros if you pay within 15 days ). On the other hand, if you do not pay within two months, as was the case with Victoire, the fine risks being increased to 375 euros! So keep your eyes peeled while driving if you’re traveling on one of these highways in the near future.