The number of people booking a trip last Saturday was three times higher than the same weekend last year as desperate Britons search for a summer escape. The government’s announcement on “air bridges” is expected imminently which will allow smoother travel between the UK and France.
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Can I drive in France due to Coronavirus?
These bridges will ensure motorists will not be subjected to any quarantine arrangements on arrival which could see a surge in interest for trips.
Eurotunnel confirmed they had seen a “large increase in demand” with the socially distance service proving popular.
Speaking to Kent Online, John Keefe, director of public affairs at Eurotunnel said: “Bookings have surged since Friday; in fact we have had more customers accessing our online booking system this weekend than ever before.
“Travel with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is proving very popular as you can go from home to holiday without leaving your car.
“No crowds, no contacts, 35 minutes to cross from Folkestone to Calais and you are on your way.”
From the stunning Route des Grandes Alpes near Lake Geneva to the twisty 13 mile Col de Turini, France has some of the greatest routes for the perfect driving holiday.
However, Eutotunnel has issued urgent warning to anyone planning a foreign driving holiday over the next few weeks.
While travelling in France motorists are required to carry a full and valid UK driving licence with them at all times.
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But road users are no longer required to carry their paper licence with them even if they are travelling abroad meaning just the photocard will be fine.
Eurotunnel says motorists must place a GB sticker in their rear windscreen as this is compulsory when travelling in the EU.
Motorists who have a UK registration plate which displays the GB sticker on the design, otherwise known as Europlates, do not need a sticker.
A warning triangle and reflective jacket must be carried while driving in France or road users may risk being hit with a 90 euros or £80 fine.
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- Doing this before driving abroad could save you being fined £2000
Headlight converters for driving on the right are also compulsory to prevent lights from distracting other motorists.
Failing to place the converters on your car may put other road users at risk of injury and may also see drivers fined by french officers for dazzling oncoming drivers.
It is also recommended to take a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on their trip as well as a few spare bulbs and fuses for simple repairs.
GOV.UK says drivers who are talking their own vehicle abroad must take their V5C log book and insurance certificate at all times.
However, Eurotunnel has warned it is illegal to use a sat nav system or GPS device which shows where speed cameras are located while travelling in France.
They urge motorists to disable this function before travelling or completely remove the device from their cars to avoid being hit with penalties.
From 1 January 2021, road users may also be required to travel with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and car insurance green card.
Even though the UK has already left the EU these rules are not set to tackle effect until after the transition period has ended unless a separate arrangement is introduced.
IDP’s can be secured over the counter at the Post Office while motorists must ask their car insurance provider directly to request a green card.
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