After various experiments, the A79 motorway is the first in France to inaugurate a barrier-free toll, also called “free flow”. But what is the risk of crossing the barrier without paying the bill?
Free-flow tolls should improve traffic flow, since motorists no longer have to stop at the toll. It is a system already active in other countries, such as Portugal or Sweden. After several experiments, in particular on the A4 motorway. The system is now active on the toll sections of the A79 motorway since Friday 4 November.
Be careful, however, not to imagine that the section of motorway concerned is exceptionally free. The penalties provided for in the event of non-payment will, in any case, quickly prove to be dissuasive.
How does a free flow toll work?
Nothing’s easier. The user in his vehicle passes under the gantry at the speed indicated by the signs, but without having to stop. The cameras on the structure will read the license plate or scan the subscription badge. It is a system that is ultimately quite similar to the 30 km/h lanes reserved for electronic toll subscribers on certain toll gates.
And how do I pay, if I don’t want penalties?
If you are a subscriber, you have nothing to do, the expenses of these tolls will be deducted from your usual badge. Several solutions have been put in place for occasional users (including foreigners) of these new tolls:
Toll payment is possible online after using the relevant motorway. You have 72 hours to update your payments. You can also do it in advance, up to 7 days before your trip on the A79.
If you wish to be able to pay your toll in cash, you will however have to go to one of the terminals located on the A79 motorway service areas. This is the only solution available for this payment method. In any case, it is better not to forget to regularize your payment, otherwise watch out for penalties.
In case of delay, a fine in addition to the toll to be paid
If you find that the tolls are already expensive enough, don’t forget to settle your debt. The bill can quickly inflate if you forget.
- Beyond 3 days and before 15 days : you will have to pay the amount of the toll and a fixed compensation reduced to 10 €
- After 15 days : you still owe the amount of the toll, but the fixed compensation goes from 10 to 90 €
- Beyond 60 days : the file is sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OMP). It is then a fixed fine increased by 375 € that you incur.
If ever it occurred to you to accumulate more than 5 cases in dispute over 12 months, you risk a fine of up to €7,500.
The system is linked to the registration file (SIV). It will probably be necessary to be vigilant, if you receive payment notifications for the use of this paid section, while you have not borrowed it.
With this type of automated solution, some fraudsters who use duplicate license plates could well take advantage of it. Between fraudsters and possible computer hiccups, it will be necessary to be attentive. Especially since “free flow” motorway sections are set to multiply in the years to come.