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Thousands of British motorists will visit the Continent in the next few
weeks on shopping trips to buy cheap alcohol for the festive period. But
one leading car insurer is advising anyone going on a 'booze cruise' to
remember a few golden rules to make sure their trip goes as smoothly as
possible.
Admiral has issued the advice as the number of motorists taking a trip
across the channel increases in the lead up to Christmas. It is reminding
drivers that even though they will probably only be on foreign roads for
a few hours, driving laws are different on the Continent and they should
be aware of them.
Admiral has issued this list of tips and rules for any motorist planning
a trip to France or Belgium on a booze cruise in the next few weeks:
- You must have at least third party insurance and a green card to drive
in France or Belgium. Contact your insurer if in doubt.
- In both countries, you are legally required to display a GB badge
on the back of your car, even if the symbol is on your number plate.
- You must also have either a warning triangle in your car or working
hazard lights, which you must display in the event of an accident or
break down.
- You must have your headlights adapted for driving on the right, this
can be done with stick-on strips available from motoring shops.
- In France, children under the age of ten cannot travel as a front-seat
passenger. In Belgium they must be older than three.
- On French roundabouts, a sign stating 'Cedez le passage' means traffic
on the roundabout has priority; no such sign means traffic entering
the roundabout has right of way. On Belgian roundabouts, you must always
give way to traffic coming from the right.
- You must have a full UK licence, not just a provisional one.
- Beware of car thieves and never leave anything on display in an unattended
car.
- Don't overload your car, not only could you damage the suspension,
you could be liable for a fine.
- Never drink and drive, both France and Belgium have a blood alcohol
limit of 0.05 per cent, and enforce severe penalties to anyone caught
driving with levels above this.
- Get your car serviced before you leave the UK, if you break down abroad,
it could end up costing a fortune.
- Don't forget to drive on the right!
Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said, "About 4.5 million
people will do some of their shopping abroad this Christmas. Many of them
will be hitting the Hypermarkets of France and Belgium. If you are one
of them, read our tips and suggestions before you leave to make sure your
trip is trouble-free. You can then return safely to the UK and enjoy your
bargains this Christmas."
Issue date: 03-12-03
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