Confabulations

Anyone who has travelled on the French Autoroute will have at some point experienced toll booths.  In France the Autoroute system is semi-privatised; with the government owning the road network, but companies having control of the administration.  In order to maintain the roads a toll system is in place, which is collected at booths along the distance of the Autoroute.  These toll booths can be prove both inconvenient and time consuming to motorists travelling in France.  This is where Télépéage technology can help.

How it works

The phrase Télépéage is a French one that relates to all automated toll payment systems.  Each company that has interests in the Autoroute system produces their own Télépéage tag that helps to speed up the process of passing through French tolls.  It should be noted that a tag sourced from one toll road company will allow payment on the whole of the Autoroute system; you don not require a separate tag for each section of road that is run by a different company.

The tag, which is fitted to your windscreen behind the rear-view mirror, contains a transponder which is detected by a beacon as you approach the toll booth.  The barrier then opens and allows you to pass through the toll station with minimal hassle.  Be aware that only special Télépéage traffic lanes are fitted with beacon detectors – they are always clearly marked.

The benefits

The first obvious benefit is that you won’t have to stop at the tolling booth to make your payment, which can save you valuable time.  You will have to slow down to 30kmph – however, the system works well and traffic keeps on rolling without queues forming.  Aside from saving time, there are other benefits and especially for British drivers.  Due to the fact that the French drive on the right-hand side of the road, the toll booth payment windows are located on the wrong side of the window for British cars.  Therefore you either have to get out and run round to make your payment or lean across the passenger seat.  In some instances it may be that your passenger is taking a nap and you don’t want to disturb them.  Even if you get out and walk round to make your payment; the slamming of the car door might be enough to wake your passenger or the kids in the back seat if you have any.  Utilising Télépéage technology results in a smooth and uninterrupted journey; providing your passengers with the opportunity to get some sleep.

Cost

When you register for a Télépéage tag you will have to provide your bank details.  The cost of each toll used will then be automatically deducted from your account.  Other charges for the running of your account are applicable, with the cost varying dependant on the company that you purchase from.  However, running costs are relatively low and outweighed by the convenience that Télépéage technology offers.