Brits driving abroad warned to bring one thing with them or risk a fine
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British citizens traveling in foreign countries by car have been advised to make sure they possess a vital item or face possible penalties.
Travellers planning a trip to France this summer might face consequences if they fail to obtain a windscreen emissions sticker beforehand, as numerous regions now mandate it, according to a reputable automotive service company.
According to the latest update from RAC, the count of regions in the nation that now necessitate drivers to exhibit a Crit'Air sticker has increased to 12, as Bordeaux and Clermont-Ferrand have recently been added to the list.
The decals, which come in six different varieties depending on the amount of air pollutants emitted by a vehicle, cannot be bought in nearby stores and must be pre-ordered from the official website of the French government. With a price tag of €4.61, this initiative assists drivers in evading a penalty of €68, which escalates to €180 if not settled within 45 days.
The expense will significantly increase next year, reaching €750 once camera-driven enforcement is implemented.
Nevertheless, the RAC cautions motorists about being lured by unreliable online platforms that demand customers pay exorbitantly high prices, up to six times the regular rate indicated on authorized websites.
The most environmentally friendly electric and hydrogen cars are distinguished by a green "0" label, while the most harmful vehicles are assigned a "5" label. In specific regions of France, the ability to drive within certain areas is limited depending on a vehicle's label classification.
Paris enforces a rigorous protocol, permitting only vehicles adorned with “0”, “1”, or “2” stickers on specific roads during allotted time periods.
There was an increase in the count of regions in France that now mandate drivers to exhibit a Crit'Air sticker to a total of 12 during the month of July.
(AFP using licensed images)
Meanwhile, in addition to Spain and Switzerland, several other European nations are also imposing stricter emissions standards. However, it is important to note that a sticker issued by one country cannot be considered valid in another.
Starting in January 2023, it became compulsory for every car in Spain to possess an ecological sticker that categorizes its emission level. The most environmentally friendly vehicles are identified with blue stickers, whereas the less efficient ones are marked with yellow stickers. These stickers must be visibly placed in the lower-right area of the windshield.
Similarly, starting from January 2020, Switzerland implemented a restriction that prohibits the most environmentally damaging vehicles from passing through Geneva's city center when pollution levels are high. This initiative is carried out by utilizing Stick'AIR stickers or vignettes as a component of the capital's traffic management system that differentiates vehicles based on their emissions.
According to Rod Dennis, a representative from the RAC, numerous drivers in the United Kingdom might already be aware of clean air zones like London's ultra-low emission zone. However, they should also be prepared to come across these zones while traveling abroad this summer.
It is crucial for individuals planning a trip to Europe to thoroughly research if a windscreen sticker based on emissions is required. They should also ensure they allocate sufficient time to obtain the sticker prior to their journey.
"Individuals lacking the appropriate sticker or operating a vehicle that does not meet the emission standards may face immediate penalties upon entering a low-emissions area."
In France, after six years of implementing Crit’Air emissions stickers with the aim of enhancing air quality, there are currently twelve places where British motorists' movements can be limited depending on the level of emissions produced by their vehicles.
As time progresses, the rules also become more stringent and in a couple of years, only vehicles with minimal or no emissions will be prohibited from entering certain urban areas.
