UK holidaymakers driving abroad warned to get emissions sticker or risk a fine
A motoring services provider has cautioned that British tourists who plan on driving in multiple areas of France this summer could face penalties if they fail to purchase a windscreen emissions sticker prior to their journey.
According to the RAC, the quantity of regions nationwide that enforce drivers to exhibit a Crit'Air decal increased to twelve in the previous month, as Bordeaux and Clermont-Ferrand were included in the list.
Drivers who do not comply with the regulation will be subject to a penalty of 68 euros (£58), which will increase to 180 euros (£154) if not settled within a 45-day period.
Penalties will surge up to 750 euros (£640) starting next year as soon as camera-supported enforcement commences.
Crit’Air vignettes are not available for purchase in local stores.
Beforehand, it is necessary to make a reservation on a website managed by the French government. This reservation comes at a price of 4.61 euros, which is approximately £4.
The RAC advised drivers to steer clear of external websites that impose fees that are six times higher.
There exist six distinct categories of decals, determined by the level of air pollutants emitted by a vehicle.
The most environmentally friendly electric and hydrogen vehicles are assigned green "0" stickers, while on the other hand, the most detrimental diesel vehicles are labeled with "5" stickers.
Certain regions in France impose limitations on the circulation of vehicles according to their adhesive label.
In Paris, the capital city, there are certain roads that have strict regulations. These roads can only be accessed by cars displaying stickers numbered as "0," "1," or "2" during specific time periods.
The RAC cautioned that Spain and Switzerland, among other European nations, are implementing more stringent emissions regulations.
A single emissions sticker obtained from a particular country cannot be used in another country, thus requiring UK tourists who plan on driving to different destinations to acquire multiple stickers.
Rod Dennis, a representative from the RAC, mentioned that numerous UK motorists may be acquainted with clean air zones such as London's ultra low emission zone. However, they should also be prepared to come across similar zones while traveling abroad during the summer season.
"It is crucial for individuals planning to travel to Europe to conduct thorough research to determine if an emissions-based windscreen sticker is necessary. They should also ensure they have sufficient time to acquire the sticker prior to their journey."
Individuals who do not possess the appropriate label or operate a vehicle that does not meet the emission standards while entering a low-pollution area are susceptible to immediate penalties.
In France, after six years of implementing Crit'Air emissions stickers with the aim of enhancing air quality, there are currently twelve areas where the movements of British motorists can be limited depending on the emissions produced by their vehicles.
As time progresses, the rules become more stringent and in the coming years, certain urban areas will prohibit the entry of vehicles that are not zero-emission, leaving no room for exceptions.
