Crit Air - Yes No? (1 Viewer)

[zaskar]

2008 Nissan Navara D40 (Euro 4) towing a 3.5 tonne 5th wheel

We set off for winter in Spain via Eurotunnel in November.
Our normal route is Autoroutes and N10 down the West coast to St Jean de Luz where we then climb up the Pyrenees, across to Zaragossa etc.

Considering that our intention is to get to the Med as fast (and safely) as possible, and the fact that due to ridiculous 1 night site fees we always come off the motorway and wild camp in deserted areas (forest etc - never towns and certainly not cities) whilst travelling through France, I don't believe that its worthwhile me getting a Crit Air sticker.
It's not so much the measly 3 euros that bothers me so much as the uploading of the V5 and the fact that I try to steer as clear as possible from bureaucracy.

So, should I.............or not?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

For the route you are taking you don't need it. It's mainly for larger towns and cities. Not many French vehicles display them. If you check on line the towns requiring one to be displayed will be indicated.
Enjoy your trip

 

[zaskar]

Many thanks for the reply. I've had a look at the French Crit Air web site but unfortunately got rather frustrated because as far as I can tell (self confessed Luddite!) it all seems to be geared to downloading the area maps by Apps where-as I'm on a Windows 10 lappy.

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[mikebeaches]

Your choice, but as you say, the cost is minimal.

I just took a photo of the V5 with my phone and uploaded it.

I'm not at all technical, but it was straightforward.

 

[Vic]

Not needed on your way down, but things change quickly. Not a lot of effort, but peace of mind should there be a "route barre" and they can take you anywhere.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I think the op is concerned about the v5 details being in the hands of the French dvla equivalent, makes it easier to send fines etc as on the fr database.

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[tuscancouple]

I think the op is concerned about the v5 details being in the hands of the French dvla equivalent, makes it easier to send fines etc as on the fr database.

Don't think it will make any difference as they seem to already have a direct feed to the UK DVLA judging by the swift delivery of speeding tickets

Mick

 

[ToBoldlyGo]

I can't see us driving into cities but I did get a Crit Air, took about 10 mins including scanning the v5, the website is good.

 

[Madcaravanner]

Many thanks for the reply. I've had a look at the French Crit Air web site but unfortunately got rather frustrated because as far as I can tell (self confessed Luddite!) it all seems to be geared to downloading the area maps by Apps where-as I'm on a Windows 10 lappy.

There is a simple way to find out the state of Where needs one and where doesn't on a daily basis that is Green Zones EU deals with all areas ZPA,ZCR,ZFE and ZPAd some zones are similar to the LEZ but without the charge

A Crit Air will be needed if you cross inside and ring road and there are some zones that come in and out as needed where certain sized engine vehicles will be banned on certain days.

As for the French having your details that's your opinion but if you don't break any rules of the road is it a worry ??

I do have one for both vehicles but it's your choice

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[Lenny HB]

I've never needed one but I've got one same with the German one for the few Euros they cost not worth the hassle if you get caught out.

 

[jongood]

Don't think it will make any difference as they seem to already have a direct feed to the UK DVLA judging by the swift delivery of speeding tickets

Mick

So do you have one?

 

[Decker]

I can't see us driving into cities but I did get a Crit Air, took about 10 mins including scanning the v5, the website is good.

How long did it take to arrive?

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[Two on Tour]

Our took about a week to arrive.

 

[Decker]

Our took about a week to arrive.

That was quick I have heard that it sometimes takes a month.
Hopefully others will be along later with their experience.

 

[jongood]

I think the op is concerned about the v5 details being in the hands of the French dvla equivalent, makes it easier to send fines etc as on the fr database.

That is my issue with it.
I'm under the impression that the foreign agencies are not able to link in and directly access our details, but they have to apply for it. I'm unable to find anything definitive on the DVLA website.

If this is the case then it is surely much easier to just access the information freely volunteered under the Crit d'air scheme making those more likely to be prosecuted for minor offences?

to be clear - This is a question not a statement and it's not about the 3 euros.

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[Baileysbus]

Not needed on your way down, but things change quickly. Not a lot of effort, but peace of mind should there be a "route barre" and they can take you anywhere.

I’ll second that ?. Been diverted a lot this trip because of random route barres. You never know where the diversions will take you ?

 

[cliffanger]

We applied whilst driving down through France! Not sure if we were going through Lyon or not, so uploaded log book and applied on line.

We got an invoice in an email which included a pdf copy of the sticker which we could print off on a campsite reception if needed.

As it was we drove non toll and skirted round Lyon well outside of the zone.

Still glad we got it though, for peace of mind.

 

[chaser]

I started to get one but it said my photos were to big so I gave up on it, been here three weeks without needing it.
But as others have said , if you can get one for three quid it's not really worth not having one.
I'll try again when I get home.

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[Two on Tour]

We never plan to venture into the regulated clean air areas, but sent the few Euros as an insurance policy for the just in case scenario.

 

[Pete5996]

That is my issue with it.
I'm under the impression that the foreign agencies are not able to link in and directly access our details, but they have to apply for it. I'm unable to find anything definitive on the DVLA website.

If this is the case then it is surely much easier to just access the information freely volunteered under the Crit d'air scheme making those more likely to be prosecuted for minor offences?

to be clear - This is a question not a statement and it's not about the 3 euros.

The exchange of information scheme only provides for a fairly limited range of serious offences.

I'm sure France has a data protection act like the UK and any misuse would be frowned upon. It would be easy to challenge anyway - just ask the DVLA if they received a request for your details, certainly if it was for an offence outside the prescribed list.

 

[busby]

I think the op is concerned about the v5 details being in the hands of the French dvla equivalent, makes it easier to send fines etc as on the fr database.

They have no problem sending fines as they have full access to DVLA as can be assured by many on here,,my self included.??

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[busby]

The exchange of information scheme only provides for a fairly limited range of serious offences.

I'm sure France has a data protection act like the UK and any misuse would be frowned upon. It would be easy to challenge anyway - just ask the DVLA if they received a request for your details, certainly if it was for an offence outside the prescribed list.

Well they obviously do divulge details or how else are members of this Forum receiving speeding fines.BUSBY

 

[jongood]

Well they obviously do divulge details or how else are members of this Forum receiving speeding fines.BUSBY

Could it be that they have registered for crit d'air?

 

[jongood]

Interestingly a French registered mh towing an A frame near Bordeaux this morning

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[Just smiffy]

Interestingly a French registered mh towing an A frame near Bordeaux this morning

yes, I saw one around Avignon a couple of weeks ago....

 

[Pete5996]

Well they obviously do divulge details or how else are members of this Forum receiving speeding fines.BUSBY

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough. I know DVLA disclose owner details if an application is made in respect of allegations of a restricted range of driving offences.

What I'm saying is that they would not legitimately be able to use the Crit'Air database to obtain owner details in respect of any offence, other perhaps than a breach of the Crit'Air regs.

 

[Just smiffy]

These crit air toll thingies are for tourists.... the French don’t bother and nor do I.... been driving around France Germany Austria Belgium Croatia Luxembourg Italy Spain etc for years and not a problem yet....

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[busby]

Perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough. I know DVLA disclose owner details if an application is made in respect of allegations of a restricted range of driving offences.

What I'm saying is that they would not legitimately be able to use the Crit'Air database to obtain owner details in respect of any offence, other perhaps than a breach of the Crit'Air regs.

With you now?BUSBY

 

[busby]

yes, I saw one around Avignon a couple of weeks ago....

Thought A Frames were ok in France.BUSBY.

 

[busby]

Could it be that they have registered for crit d'air?

Not me and they found me??BUSBY.

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