FRANCE 80KPH

[DavidG58]

Hi.
As long as nobody is seriously hurt and this does not impede my progress. I am Led/lead to believe,that our continental juggernaut jockey cousins have an unwritten code that when another "c..ousin" has started his o/taking maneuver,they back off the LOUD pedal and let them "Execute" their passage forward and let them clear. I have found that to assist them in their act of selfless courtesy by pressing HARDER on the loud pedal makes it an easier job.

I believe that is actually the law in France, I know a few lorry drivers from the UK who when driving in France have been fined for not lifting when being passed by another lorry, even applies on motorways

presume it will even apply when a lorry overtakes a motorhome or even car for that matter

I seem to think we actually have a similar rule in our own highway code, another one little adhered to or not known about

 

[Rob Turner]

The speed vehicles are allowed to travel at in France are not the problem, they probably don’t help tho.
The real problem is the standard of driving of most French drivers & the fact they spend most of the time on their phones & they go to a café or similar for lunch/dinner and consume a bottle of Wine or Cider!
Their driving lessons & tests need tightening!

Yeah, and the Italians are worse again!!

 

[klaatu]

Dual carriageway means two lanes in a given direction.

Your definition does not seem to agree with the usual definition. A carriageway usually means the side of the road on which all traffic is travelling in the same direction (regardless of how many lanes that carriageway has), and a dual carriageway usually means that there is a central reservation separating the two carriageways and hence traffic travelling in opposite directions (as specified in the UK Highway Code, for example).

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/carriageway
https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/multi-lane-carriageways.html

 

[2657]

Okay, see what you mean. But I've always considered "dual carriageway" to mean two separated roads in opposite directions. "Single Carriageway" to me means no physical separator. Will be in France in a few weeks so no doubt I'll see it for myself.

That is exactly what it does mean in the UK, doubt that the term has a direct translation into French.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

I believe that is actually the law in France, I know a few lorry drivers from the UK who when driving in France have been fined for not lifting when being passed by another lorry, even applies on motorways

presume it will even apply when a lorry overtakes a motorhome or even car for that matter

I seem to think we actually have a similar rule in our own highway code, another one little adhered to or not known about

It doesn't apply near Dover, they come up to another truck waiting at the light on the A2 and the lights go green and they are off side by side for ten miles( I am not joking) and towards the Canterbury turning one will give up or the other let them passed.. Bollock trouble mostly, the ego will not admit defeat and the truckes have the same limiters only a newer set of tyres makes the difference. CALLED ELEPHANT RACING.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Pete5996]

I've eventually found a reasonably lucid explanation of the new rules on this site: https://www.lci.fr/societe/80-km-h-...neaux-et-les-economies-d-essence-2090766.html

Translation of the relevant section with my emphases:

The speed will be limited to 80 kph on the two-way (two-way) national and departmental roads without central separator (median/low wall/armco barrier). This represents 400,000 kilometers of road in France.


The maximum speed, however, will remain at 90 kph on four-lane sections (2x2 lanes), ie roads or sections of road where overtaking can be done without taking the lane in the opposite direction.


In the case of a three-lane road (two lanes in one direction, one in the other), the limitation is 90 kph in the two-lane direction, where overtaking is controlled by a central continuous line. The opposite route is limited to 80 kph. If the central lane has no specific assignment to one direction or the other, the limitation is 80 kph in both directions of traffic.

The roads I've travelled on down here in the Lot in the past few days have all had the speed signs changed to reflect this, ie 90 kph at the start of the 2 lane section of a 3 lane road and an 80kph when it reduces to 2 lanes. Not too difficult to understand when you've read it once or twice....

 

[Shrimp]

Are you sure about that? I read it that only roads with a physical lane separator were not subject to the blanket limit (but still limited to any other posted limits). I wouldn't think a white line would be taken as a physical separator.

Yes we are sure about that!
We’ve been in France since May and seen the change as it happened and the roadside restriction signs change!

 

[EX51SSS]

Absolutely agree. I think it is a dangerous decision and will almost certainly increase accidents. The only way it would be safer would be if HGVs were restricted to max 80kph.
I can see why government might like it, the amount raised in fines has already increased and it will increase people using the toll roads too.

Speedometers in HGV and PCV are far more accurate in those than smaller vehicles. If you're showing 80 kph, you're probably doing 72/73 kph whereas the HGV will show that.
Always remember please, as in this country, for HGV drivers, the toad is their workplace. Most are under time constraints too plus by law, they have to have statutory breaks and may need to get to their delivery, ferry, rest before time or committing an infringement.

 

[The Nomad]

Your definition does not seem to agree with the usual definition. A carriageway usually means the side of the road on which all traffic is travelling in the same direction (regardless of how many lanes that carriageway has), and a dual carriageway usually means that there is a central reservation separating the two carriageways and hence traffic travelling in opposite directions (as specified in the UK Highway Code, for example).

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/carriageway
https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/multi-lane-carriageways.html

Sorry, It is with respect utterly irrelevant what it might or might not mean in English, on British roads.
It is nothing to do with Britain.

I explained what it means in France, on French roads, according to French road traffic law.

 

[jongood]

Sorry, It is with respect utterly irrelevant what it might or might not mean in English, on British roads.
It is nothing to do with Britain.

I explained what it means in France, on French roads, according to French road traffic law.

Well its just not good enough is it. Fancy letting these foreigners make their own rules up!!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[busby]

Never noticed any difference when lower limit came in,,,i only poodle at about 48 mph unless anyone tailgates me and then its much slower. BUSBY.

 

[Allanm]

Speedometers in HGV and PCV are far more accurate in those than smaller vehicles. If you're showing 80 kph, you're probably doing 72/73 kph whereas the HGV will show that.
Always remember please, as in this country, for HGV drivers, the toad is their workplace. Most are under time constraints too plus by law, they have to have statutory breaks and may need to get to their delivery, ferry, rest before time or committing an infringement.

So, if you are relying on your speedometer and driving at an indicated 80kph and wondering why HGV’s are trying to overtake you, it’s because your real speed is about 75 kph.
Either speed up or let them pass, it’s not up to you to police the speed limit, whatever you think of it.

 

[jongood]

So, if you are relying on your speedometer and driving at an indicated 80kph and wondering why HGV’s are trying to overtake you, it’s because your real speed is about 75 kph.
Either speed up or let them pass, it’s not up to you to police the speed limit, whatever you think of it.

If I understand correctly you are more or less in agreement @EX51SSS is merely pointing out the variations in uncalibrated devices.

 

[klaatu]

Well its just not good enough is it. Fancy letting these foreigners make their own rules up!!

You would think at least they would have the grace to use terms in their own language

Revenons à nos moutons...

 

[gus-lopez]

I know a few lorry drivers from the UK who when driving in France have been fined for not lifting when being passed by another lorry, even applies on motorways

It is a specific offence in Spain now with fine and loss of points if,when someone pulls out to overtake regardless of how stupid it might be, you accelerate to close the space ahead of you.

Speedometers in HGV and PCV are far more accurate in those than smaller vehicles. If you're showing 80 kph, you're probably doing 72/73 kph whereas the HGV will show that.
Always remember please, as in this country, for HGV drivers, the toad is their workplace. Most are under time constraints too plus by law, they have to have statutory breaks and may need to get to their delivery, ferry, rest before time or committing an infringement.

A cafe I use has a sign stating "please don't be offended if lorry drivers are served before you. They have a fixed amount of time for their break and to eat"

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ianandkath]

travel at the weekends, as the lorries cant, or is that just an old law that has changed now

 

[gus-lopez]

travel at the weekends, as the lorries cant, or is that just an old law that has changed now

Still the same apart from the exceptions allowed. Live animals, food transport ,etc.

 

[nicholsong]

It is a specific offence in Spain now with fine and loss of points if,when someone pulls out to overtake regardless of how stupid it might be, you accelerate to close the space ahead of you.

But surely there is a difference between 'speeding up' and 'easing off the accelerator'

Anyway such an offence might be difficult to prove in Court - but maybe not for the Guardia Civile to fine one for.

 

[busby]

So, if you are relying on your speedometer and driving at an indicated 80kph and wondering why HGV’s are trying to overtake you, it’s because your real speed is about 75 kph.
Either speed up or let them pass, it’s not up to you to police the speed limit, whatever you think of it.

I use my sat nav for speed and won't exceed my speed because they are tailgating,,,Will pull in to let them pass on bendy roads providing they have not been sitting on my back bumper,,BUSBY,,

 

[Deneb]

I use my sat nav for speed and won't exceed my speed because they are tailgating,,,Will pull in to let them pass on bendy roads providing they have not been sitting on my back bumper,,BUSBY,,

Never understood this attitude. Those are the very circumstances I'd let them pass as soon as possible. Do you really want a big heavy vehicle behind you that's likely to crush you into oblivion if you have to brake suddenly for any reason?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TerryL]

If a vehicle is attempting to pass me, wherever I am, I will do my best to accommodate them without inconveniencing myself or other road users. I'm on holiday but they are (probably) working and need to be somewhere else - I remember my times as a professional driver myself. I may increase my speed if it's permitted, let a bigger gap build up in front of me, or on narrow roads if a queue has built up I might pull into a layby or such, depends on circumstances.
Hate tailgaters too but I think it's better to let them get on with it than to end up as part of their accident.

 

[SpeedyDux]

If a vehicle is attempting to pass me, wherever I am, I will do my best to accommodate them without inconveniencing myself or other road users. I'm on holiday but they are (probably) working and need to be somewhere else - I remember my times as a professional driver myself. I may increase my speed if it's permitted, let a bigger gap build up in front of me, or on narrow roads if a queue has built up I might pull into a layby or such, depends on circumstances.
Hate tailgaters too but I think it's better to let them get on with it than to end up as part of their accident.

Agreed. I would feel safer with them in front. Then, allow a bigger gap ahead.

What irks me most is the numpty who overtakes, only to drive slower than I would like. There's a certain type of French driver who cannot bear to be behind a vehicle with a GB plate.

 

[busby]

travel at the weekends, as the lorries cant, or is that just an old law that has changed now

Only in France i think,,BUSBY,,

 

[busby]

It is a specific offence in Spain now with fine and loss of points if,when someone pulls out to overtake regardless of how stupid it might be, you accelerate to close the space ahead of you.


A cafe I use has a sign stating "please don't be offended if lorry drivers are served before you. They have a fixed amount of time for their break and to eat"

Spanish drivers usually take at least 2 hours for their lunch break,,,BUSBY,,

 

[EX51SSS]

Only in France i think,,BUSBY,,

Switzerland too.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Tea Bag]

want a big heavy vehicle behind you that's likely to crush you into oblivion if you have to brake suddenly for any reason

Hi.
Or as they say.."The Meat in the Sandwich". True
Tea Bag

 

[ramsthom]

Agreed. I would feel safer with them in front. Then, allow a bigger gap ahead.

What irks me most is the numpty who overtakes, only to drive slower than I would like. There's a certain type of French driver who cannot bear to be behind a vehicle with a GB plate.

This happened to us a couple of years ago on the D901 from Boulogne to Abbeville. Very little traffic and travelling at just under 90 kph. A car comes up behind and after a few miles overtakes and then slows down slightly brake lights on and off. I wondered why he was doing it when after about 1 km we passed a speed camera. He then put his foot down and was off.

 

[Deneb]

Having attended incidents where 3.5T vans have ended up less than 18 inches long, I'll leave it to your imagination, but meat in a sandwich doesn't even begin to describe it

 

[Tea Bag]

I wondered why he was doing it when after about 1 km we passed a speed camera. He then put his foot

Hi.
The French used to "Flash" headlights at you if there was a speed trap ahead.......
Tea Bag

 

[EX51SSS]

Hi.
The French used to "Flash" headlights at you if there was a speed trap ahead.......
Tea Bag

A lot of English HGV drivers still do.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}