LM24 Driving to Le Mans (Radar and Hi-Vis Vests!)

Le Vieux · 15 May 2009, 07:19 (Ref:2462775)

With only four weeks left to go, most people will have made their travelling plans.

For those driving down, it may be worth a visit to www.michelin.co.uk

If you click on the maps section and enter your port of arrival in the appropriate box, then click on "search", it'll bring up a map of the area. If you then click on "extras" at the top of the screen and check the box marked "safety cameras" all the fixed speed cameras will be shown on the map - there's plenty of them!

By then following your route, you'll be able to pinpoint all the cameras along the way. Holding your cursor over the camera icon will give the exact location. Note that if you zoom out too far, the camera icons will disappear.

Camera locations are also shown for the UK, but, sadly, temporary cameras aren't shown.

Since last year's race, there has been a new law in France which requires a hi-vis jacket to be carried in the car, NOT in the boot. I have heard that one jacket per passenger is required, not just one for the driver - can anyone confirm or deny?

GT6 · 15 May 2009, 07:30 (Ref:2462780)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Vieux

With only four weeks left to go, most people will have made their travelling plans.

For those driving down, it may be worth a visit to www.michelin.co.uk

If you click on the maps section and enter your port of arrival in the appropriate box, then click on "search", it'll bring up a map of the area. If you then click on "extras" at the top of the screen and check the box marked "safety cameras" all the fixed speed cameras will be shown on the map - there's plenty of them!

By then following your route, you'll be able to pinpoint all the cameras along the way. Holding your cursor over the camera icon will give the exact location. Note that if you zoom out too far, the camera icons will disappear.

Camera locations are also shown for the UK, but, sadly, temporary cameras aren't shown.

Since last year's race, there has been a new law in France which requires a hi-vis jacket to be carried in the car, NOT in the boot. I have heard that one jacket per passenger is required, not just one for the driver - can anyone confirm or deny?

The high vis jacket is required for the driver and must be on before you get out of the car.

I always use the Via Michelin route planner, but would advise people driving for the first time to use the old N138 from just after Rouen, it is free and striaght as only an old roman road can be. Plenty of places to stop for refreshments and on the days before Le mans always full of brits heading down in lovely cars. On the motorway after Rouen, look out for a castle on your right (Robert the diable) and take the turn off imediately after and then follow the sign for Le mans but be carefull as the signs will try to take you back to the motorway. Well worth the extra effort.

Truckosaurus · 15 May 2009, 07:39 (Ref:2462785)

On the subject of hi-vis vests, I've just received a couple I ordered off eBay for £2 each (inc postage), so it's not too much hassle to sort them out. I've put them in a ziplock bag and stuffed them in the map pocket behind the passenger seat.

**Aysedasi** · 16 May 2009, 11:50 (Ref:2463380)

Good advice guys, thanks....

(I've amended the thread title slightly to cover the vests thingy......

)

SL · 20 May 2009, 21:09 (Ref:2465982)

I was in France a few weeks ago and saw a lot of locals had the Hi Vis on the back shelf or on the seatbacks.
Apparently the Police do carry out spot checks and having the jacket clearly on view from outside the car lessens the chance of a "routine" stop.

Simon

**batmobile** · 20 May 2009, 21:18 (Ref:2465985)

The jacket is required for the driver and don't forget the security triangle!

miguel1810 · 20 May 2009, 21:37 (Ref:2466009)

Lots of replies about vests... yes best to have a couple of vests... but no one has said about speed cameras... well... having been caught (Brionne 2005!!) its not fun... they're out in force from Friday till Sunday so the earlier you drive down the better.. Me and my pops are leaving on Sunday (to enjoy a whole week there) so we dont have to blast there in a rush... I'd also recommend going on D roads as opposed to Auto Routes and N roads... its not fun getting pulled over by the Gendarmes.... and a 750 Euro fine in 2005 was £500 - today it will set you back £655.

Best advice... watch the race, don't have your own race...

Le Vieux · 21 May 2009, 04:39 (Ref:2466151)

Quote:

Originally Posted by miguel1810

Lots of replies about vests... yes best to have a couple of vests... but no one has said about speed cameras... well... having been caught (Brionne 2005!!) its not fun... they're out in force from Friday till Sunday so the earlier you drive down the better.. Me and my pops are leaving on Sunday (to enjoy a whole week there) so we dont have to blast there in a rush... I'd also recommend going on D roads as opposed to Auto Routes and N roads... its not fun getting pulled over by the Gendarmes.... and a 750 Euro fine in 2005 was £500 - today it will set you back £655.

Best advice... watch the race, don't have your own race...

Sound advice.

The Gendarmes are much more likely to stop you randomly, even during "normal" motoring in France, but they become extra keen during LM weekd an the closer you are to the area.

Cruise control for the Cautious!

terence · 21 May 2009, 07:26 (Ref:2466186)

Or ease back to 80mph if you dont have clear vision of the road ahead.Imidiately after long fast bends is a favorite camera setting.

GT6 · 21 May 2009, 07:32 (Ref:2466190)

Tesco's are doing a family pack of hi Vis vests for £2.50 includes two adult and two child ones, they are in the cycling section but would be adequate for showing the french police.

Bluebottle · 21 May 2009, 13:36 (Ref:2466440)

Is the requirement one hi-vis per actual occupant or one per available seat?
(i.e. if I'm by myself in my MPV do I need 8 jackets??)

Pilgrimage · 21 May 2009, 16:27 (Ref:2466538)

Pretty sure it is one per passenger - and they have to be in the car (or reachable from within the car at least).

The Real DMN · 21 May 2009, 17:06 (Ref:2466559)

Yeah, its one per person and you have to be able to get at them without leaving your seat.

I think a lot of french people put them over the backs of their seats. That way the plod can see they have them.

GTfour · 21 May 2009, 17:21 (Ref:2466568)

Quote:

Originally Posted by terence bower

Or ease back to 80mph if you dont have clear vision of the road ahead.Imidiately after long fast bends is a favorite camera setting.

Most static camera's are findable on the internet. I was wondering wether anyone has an idea were to find out were the laserguns will be located?

PascaLM maybe this is one for you?

AstonGeoff · 21 May 2009, 19:17 (Ref:2466651)

Bridges over the peage are also a favourite location for them, and just as you think you've got away with it they nab you at the next major pay booth!

Rumour has it that if you think you've been caught that way the thing is to pull off at the next minor junction and drive acros country for a while! Obviously this negates the time made up by speeding so you might as well have stuck to the 130kph limit!

As an aside does anyone in France have a clue as to if there is a bit of leeway on the limit, e.g. do the Gendarmes ignore 140kph, but nab you at 150kph?

GT6 · 21 May 2009, 19:27 (Ref:2466660)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstonGeoff

Bridges over the peage are also a favourite location for them, and just as you think you've got away with it they nab you at the next major pay booth!

Rumour has it that if you think you've been caught that way the thing is to pull off at the next minor junction and drive acros country for a while! Obviously this negates the time made up by speeding so you might as well have stuck to the 130kph limit!

As an aside does anyone in France have a clue as to if there is a bit of leeway on the limit, e.g. do the Gendarmes ignore 140kph, but nab you at 150kph?

You also have to be aware that weather conditions are used by the police to do you, 3 years ago got pulled on the long stretch of dual carraigeway on the n138 first they tried to say that I was doing 130 in a 90 limit, I pointed out that the limit on a stretch of dual carraigeway over 10km was 130 so they then said it had been raining and the limit was 110 so got done anyway. I did however reduce the fine from 350 to 90 euro's by standing up to them, it also helps if you try to speak french, they mostly speak english but appreciate if you make an effort.

Kpy · 21 May 2009, 20:29 (Ref:2466707)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstonGeoff

As an aside does anyone in France have a clue as to if there is a bit of leeway on the limit, e.g. do the Gendarmes ignore 140kph, but nab you at 150kph?

Yes, the margin allowed for error is 5kph below 100kph and 5% thereafter.
That means that the radar cuts in at something over 136kph on the motorway - so you can cruise at 85mph in reasonable confidence. That's the theory, anyway.

Le Vieux · 22 May 2009, 05:47 (Ref:2466858)

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real DMN

Yeah, its one per person and you have to be able to get at them without leaving your seat.

I think a lot of french people put them over the backs of their seats. That way the plod can see they have them.

Does anyone know if the same law applies to motor cycles?

Le Vieux · 22 May 2009, 05:49 (Ref:2466859)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTfour

Most static camera's are findable on the internet. I was wondering wether anyone has an idea were to find out were the laserguns will be located?

PascaLM maybe this is one for you?

Static cameras are also shown in the AA road atlas for France.

Le Vieux · 22 May 2009, 05:57 (Ref:2466860)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Vieux

Does anyone know if the same law applies to motor cycles?

As is sometimes the case I think I've answered my own question but at the same time I've raised another.

This is from the AA's website under their motoring abroad section:

"REFLECTIVE JACKETS & WARNING TRIANGLES IN FRANCE (30 September)

The French Road Safety Department has confirmed that:

From 1st October 2008 all drivers in France, including drivers of vehicles registered outside of France, must have one warning triangle and one reflective jacket in their vehicle.

This regulation, which we understand does not apply to two and three wheeled vehicles, will be enforced with on-the-spot fines of between €90 and €135."

So no it doesn't apply to bikers or drivers of Reliant Robins but it clearly states that only one vest per car is required not one per occupant. Can anyone give a definitive ruling?

AstonGeoff · 22 May 2009, 06:59 (Ref:2466879)

I think the best solution is to carry one per person in the car, that way there isn't an issue over interpretation of laws. Plus if you did breakdown and all got out of the car on the side of the peage it would be a whole lot safer if everyone was wearing a hivis vest!
They don't cost a lot of money, and are pretty much a one off purchase if you keep them for year after year!

Gingers4Justice · 22 May 2009, 16:11 (Ref:2467154)

Just a quick question:

How seriously do the Chandamarie (it's not spelt right, I do German not French at school) take emmissions?

We're travelling down as part of a "banger challenge", but as me and my dad are refereeing, we're in a normal car. Just want to know whether our freinds could be stopped.

Le Vieux · 22 May 2009, 20:29 (Ref:2467295)

The French authority in charge of roads in the area - SANEF - state on their website that only one hi-vis per car is needed.

Incidentally SANEF are also the people to contact if you want a transponder to speed you through the Liber-T channel at the peage. Couldn't live without mine.

GTfour · 23 May 2009, 09:31 (Ref:2467505)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Le Vieux

Static cameras are also shown in the AA road atlas for France.

That's good. I know most of the static ones on our route. It's the laser equipped squads I want their hiding spots from.

Pilgrimage · 26 May 2009, 11:01 (Ref:2469385)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTfour

That's good. I know most of the static ones on our route. It's the laser equipped squads I want their hiding spots from.

Don't we all!!!

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