Your thoughts around giving to much information.

[PJGWiltshire]

Stopped overnight in Citi Europe last night and got chatting to a guy this morning whilst walking the dog (It was freezing).

He had just travelled up from Spain and used the tolls, which he explained was not a normal experience for him. He said that at the auto booth he was shown as class three ( Over 3 metres high and over 3.5t). He pressed the button to see if it could be changed to class 2, (as many do I'm sure...I do) expecting the control centre to change to class 2:Camping car. Apparently control centre asked for vehicle registration, which he gave. Was then informed records show him excess 3.5t. Was then required to pay class 3.

Further explains that he had obtained an emission zone sticker for France costing 5E before his trip, as told this was required by him by Autotrail club.

So I think. Is it the case that if and when you apply for such emission zone sticker for France, I assume supplying copy of Registration document as is required for German emission sticker, that your vehicle details are then shown on the Auto route toll database showing your vehicle weight thus can be challenged by the control room when seeking change to class 2.

Just a thought for those who challenge the control centre when shown class 3 if you are thinking of getting French emission sticker

 

[Speve]

Just get a tag done trip again this year without problem using toll roads never been charged over class two.

 

[PJGWiltshire]

Just get a tag done trip again this year without problem using toll roads never been charged over class two.

Are you over 3m, my old swift Kontiki tag was and would come up class 3 and we just pressed button said camping car and it was changed. The point I make is around the info that maybe held on the system if you apply for emission zone sticker.

 

[Camdoon]

Said so at the time. Lots giving information to the French for a sticker "just in case". Reminded me of the Police in the USA who phone up criminals and tell them they have won the lottery.

 

[mikebeaches]

Interesting.

We have a Crit Aire sticker, but shouldn't be an issue to us as only 2.56m high and plated at 3,500kg - so genuinely Classe 2.

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[Speve]

Are you over 3m, my old swift Kontiki tag was and would come up class 3 and we just pressed button said camping car and it was changed. The point I make is around the info that maybe held on the system if you apply for emission zone sticker.

No not over 3m but do have crit air and had one on previous van.

 

[TerryL]

French traffic authorities have access to the UK DVLA database so IMO more likely the toll operator queried that.

 

[funflair]

Just get a tag done trip again this year without problem using toll roads never been charged over class two.

Under 3 metres will helps I guess.

Martin

 

[scotjimland]

French traffic authorities have access to the UK DVLA database so IMO more likely the toll operator queried that.

correct

Data Sharing Across the EU

DVLA shares vehicle keeper data to enable member states to check information on vehicles presented for registration and the enforcement of offences across borders. We also share driving licence data with member states when required by law and to allow them to decide the validity and authenticity of driving licence presented for exchange.

https://assets.publishing.service.g...lease-of-information-from-dvlas-registers.pdf

 

[PJGWiltshire]

French traffic authorities have access to the UK DVLA database so IMO more likely the toll operator queried that.

Yes fully aware they have access but it is not instant. They would apply to DVLA. They do not have access immediately via computer from a control room

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[Speve]

Wouldn’t think a toll company would have access unless the operator is a police officer

 

[ivorantony]

Drove to Italy in July using French autoroute, 3.2 metres and 3900 kg with a crit 4 sticker, every toll was changed to a 2 when told we were a camping car,

 

[gus-lopez]

Further explains that he had obtained an emission zone sticker for France costing 5E before his trip, as told this was required by him by Autotrail club.

I wouldn't be surprised by it.
An acquaintance of mine received a speeding ticket direct to her from the French for a vehicle registered with the dvla to her son.
The only place this incorrect & illegally obtained information could have come from was the French company who operate the Dart Charge as she had registered her sons vehicle on her account.

** This was just before the exchange info come in to effect **

 

[suavecarve]

I was under the impression that a couple of years ago the French were allowed to seek details form the DVLA for offences such as speeding and drink driving to pursue offenders and therefore thought that the information would not be freely available at the touch of a button but the link provided by @scotjimland supercedes this and it certainly looks as if they now have instant DVLA data.
I might as well burn my other V5 that shows me under 3500kgs !

 

[Chris]

Just avoid France.

You don’t need to argue about stuff then.

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[PJGWiltshire]

I was under the impression that a couple of years ago the French were allowed to seek details form the DVLA for offences such as speeding and drink driving to pursue offenders and therefore thought that the information would not be freely available at the touch of a button but the link provided by @scotjimland supercedes this and it certainly looks as if they now have instant DVLA data.
I might as well burn my other V5 that shows me under 3500kgs !

They still do not have instant access, it still takes a few days through an authorised system, this will not be a control room for Auto route and would not be authorised to confirm the weight of a vehicle to establish toll charge

 

[TinaLes]

Interesting theories thus far, will we ever know whether the control rooms at tolls have instant access to our records from the DVLA.
Should it happen to me I will ask the booth operator/officer whether he/she/trans can or not...dont be surprised if there's "an app" with a passcode available these days.
But I do like the story that I read on here somewhere, of the Funster who refused to pay above class 2 and sat arms folded, feet on the dash, horns blowing behind, until "they changed their minds" and issues a class 2 toll ticket.
There again, knowing my luck a Gendarme Officer would be close by and do me for obstruction
Les

 

[martin2603]

Or avoid toll roads? My previous tag was over 3.meters always triggered class 4 or 3, the new one under 3 meters always class 2.

 

[jongood]

IMHO they are more likely to have gained the information from the crit air database. Ive been warning for ages that people are volunteering their information by registering for these things when they don't really need them.

 

[JockandRita]

But I do like the story that I read on here somewhere, of the Funster who refused to pay above class 2 and sat arms folded, feet on the dash, horns blowing behind, until "they changed their minds" and issues a class 2 toll ticket.

That is the advice I was given years ago by a fellow Funster who owned a tandem axled MH, and it is advice I have heeded to, especially at the Potiers Nord Peage earlier this year.......................but I'd never dream of putting my feet up on the dash. That must have been another Funster.


There were cameras everywhere, and despite me showing them a Sanef Peage receipt for Class 2, they didn't want to know. In the end they relented. I avoided it on this trip, and waited until I got to the A63 at Bordeaux, before going using the Peage to San Sebastian. All Camping Cars are Class 2 on that route, as the signs as you enter the booth, clearly indicate.

Cheers,

Jock.

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[ramsthom]

Our motorhome is just over at 3.02 metres but under 3500kgs. Been to France twice this year and used short sections of tolls and always showed class2. We do have a crit air sticker.

 

[jongood]

Just get a tag done trip again this year without problem using toll roads never been charged over class two.

I wonder whether you could have a problem with a toll tag. In extremis perhaps, but if you got checked and they discovered that you were using the TAG fraudulently ( which many people do)., could they go back through your tag records and ask you to pay the difference? as well as a fine.

 

[funflair]

I wonder whether you could have a problem with a toll tag. In extremis perhaps, but if you got checked and they discovered that you were using the TAG fraudulently ( which many people do)., could they go back through your tag records and ask you to pay the difference? as well as a fine.

I don't think they can go back Jon but there may be a small fine the terms and conditions for misuse are on the web somewhere, I will see if I can find them.

Martin

EDIT found this @jonegood

The Subscriber acknowledges as a condition of the Subscription Agreement that the use of a Tag by a Class 2 vehicle in a lane reserved for a Class 1 vehicle (equipped with a specific height) or by a vehicle of Class 3 or 4, is not permitted and shall entitle sanef to retain any Subscriber Tag Deposits and to immediately terminate the Subscriber's Subscription Agreement.

 

[filopastry]

It may be that the toll booths have limited access to records to confirm vehicle type/weight but not the registered owner details ... just an idea but I do think that these modern days of technology are going to rapidly reduce the chances of the "honest guv ... we are onlt 3.5t" Have to pose the question, of you who choose to "play the game" how many of you would be offended by others who do not pay their "fair dues" in other areas of life? Strange how many "honest" folks are more than happy to declare to the world, "I cheat the system". Not saying I'm an angel, far from it, nut I don't tell everyone what I do .... just a though

 

[jongood]

The Subscriber acknowledges as a condition of the Subscription Agreement that the use of a Tag by a Class 2 vehicle in a lane reserved for a Class 1 vehicle (equipped with a specific height) or by a vehicle of Class 3 or 4, is not permitted and shall entitle sanef to retain any Subscriber Tag Deposits and to immediately terminate the Subscriber's Subscription Agreement.

Not saying I'm an angel, far from it, nut I don't tell everyone what I do .... just a though

OK so I'm now thinking the risk of fraudulently using a TAG is less than I thought, so I might NOT? get one.

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[funflair]

OK so I'm now thinking the risk of fraudulently using a TAG is less than I thought, so I might NOT? get one.

Correct, not a big disincentive.

Martin

 

[JockandRita]

Strange how many "honest" folks are more than happy to declare to the world, "I cheat the system". Not saying I'm an angel, far from it, nut I don't tell everyone what I do .... just a though

I am more than happy to pay a reasonable rate/toll. I do however refuse to be stung as a 44 tonne commercial truck..................which our camping car is clearly not.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[jongood]

I am more than happy to pay a reasonable rate/toll. I do however refuse to be stung as a 44 tonne commercial truck..................which our camping car is clearly not.

Cheers,

Jock.

Couldnt agree more Jock. Thats why I wont get a go box ( Or use the M6 toll)

Safe travels

Jon

 

[gus-lopez]

There again, knowing my luck a Gendarme Officer would be close by and do me for obstruction

This is why it is handy to have the engine immobiliser switches so you can honestly state , & demonstrate , that it won't start.
Ya-dada--dada--dada-ya-dada-Ya-dada-ya-dada-Ya-dada-ya-dada with the possibility that it might when the class is reduced

 

[filopastry]

I am more than happy to pay a reasonable rate/toll. I do however refuse to be stung as a 44 tonne commercial truck..................which our camping car is clearly not.

Cheers,

Jock.

Whilst I may agree with your sentiment, it is your choice of vehicle, their choice of charges are there no obligations to use their motorways, if you don't agree with their pricing scales, and maybe I also agree there, you can use other routes, but to use their services is to agree to their terms and conditions, one cannot pick and choose which terms one agrees with, should your breakdown on their routes you would, I assume, wish to use their breakdown services for which had you not paid the correct fees, you would probably have no right to.

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