European Driving

[db1]

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Belgium and France soon and was wondering what gadgets were available to help alert one to the cameras. I have noticed that some (Snooper Evolution) UK GPS devices have a European database and there are some French GPS devices one can buy.

Has anyone used these or any with European databases. What alternatives are there - neither the RA not Origin have a European database available.

Any suggestions welcomed!

thanks

DB1

 

[scotth_uk]

pocketgps.co.uk have a database of speed cameras which covers a small part of Europe. It can be loaded into many devices including Tom Tom Go's etc.

 

[db1]

thanks - is there a database that could be loaded into a Garmin GPS III+ as waypoints perhaps?

 

[saorbust]

Be careful in France - they don't like speed detector devices in any shape or form - well known cases of people having to reverse over such devices and hand over fines. I'd leave it at home ....

 

[Motard]

Be careful in France - they don't like speed detector devices in any shape or form - well known cases of people having to reverse over such devices and hand over fines. I'd leave it at home ....

Radar detection devices are illegal and the Gendarmes get mega p*ssed when they find one. GPS based devices are legal and the position of the fixed speed cameras/radar traps is public knowledge so you are allowed to have this info in your GPS. Shouldn't have any probs as long what you have can be clearly seen to be a GPS, if there is any doubt, you will lose!

 

[db1]

I found this website which seems useful:

http://www.securiteroutiere.equipement.gouv.fr/infos-ref/regles/csa/csa.html

I looked at the A2 south to between belgium and paris and there seem to be only 2 fixed locations or so listed. Does that seem correct?

thanks

DB1

 

[shrekky]

Having driven in europe more times than i care to count..............speed limits are alot more liberal,and to tell you the truth i rarely went over the speed limits especially on motorways..........unlike this country which i do it all the time...... ..........for example.........on alot of motorways over there.........speed limit is quite often 130kmh=80 mph..........just remember to read them in kilometres not mph......lol............and you will find that driving on motorways over there is much more pleasurable as the disipline is totally different............wont get beamer owners or old ladies in nissan micras sitting in the fast lane at stupid speeds,i absolutely love driving in europe,hate driving on motorways here though.

 

[Guy]

I found this website which seems useful:

http://www.securiteroutiere.equipement.gouv.fr/infos-ref/regles/csa/csa.html

I looked at the A2 south to between belgium and paris and there seem to be only 2 fixed locations or so listed. Does that seem correct?

thanks

DB1

That's a really good find - thanks

I've been caught out a couple of times driving to Spain, but never by fixed cameras, it's the moveable ones that get you [me! ]

The first I knew I had flown past what looked like a farm gateway, where hidden by a 'shoulder' on the embankment, sat a gendarme at a table, looking for all the world like he was playing a Roland synthesizer...2 miles or so down the road, there are his pals waiting for you. One option, which worked for me once, is to find an artic, and try and stay out of their view by passing him slowly as you pass them...

On the occasion I did get caught, there was a guy on a police motor cycle who appeared from in front of the artic - he must have got up to speed on the hard shoulder - so they are well aware of the tricks!

Expensive back then, but much more serious now, as they will actually disqualify you for serious speeding...

Over the Easter weekend, 110 UK motorists caught speeding on the A26 south of Calais incurred on the spot fines while seven Brits detected driving substantially in excess of the limit and two drink drivers were arrested and bailed to appear in court. According to reports, these drivers also had their licences and cars confiscated until their hearings.

France, the country most likely to be visited by Brits, can deprive you of your car, licence and up to 1500 Euros if you are caught with a speed detection device.

I know it will appear a ridiculous observation, but having waited in a queue of Brits to be weighed off by the gendarmes, it is a definite advantage to be able to speak a bit of French... I got a reduction in speed/fine, and a friendly warnng about where the next 2 radar setups were placed!

They really are cracking down, so take care, and have a great trip!

 

[Satch]

The French are in the midst of a huge anti speeding crackdown aimed at reducing their high death toll. Not a good idea to exercise the right foot at the moment.

Fixed camera locations are not the problem, it is the mobile units dedicated to the task.

Get stopped at the moment and they most likely will want you to pay 3 Billion

 

[Brian WH]

thanks - is there a database that could be loaded into a Garmin GPS III+ as waypoints perhaps?

No unfortunately mate.

Except manually of course, using the location settings.

 

[IanA2]

And don't forget that on the French and Italian motorways your entry and exit times are converted automatically to show average speed. This for French/Italian residents at least can result in a nicve postcard when they get home. Not sure if they have linked up to DVLA yet. Also, I have heard that in France, people who have left their kit at home but still have the harness in, have had them ripped out and fined.
More cheerfully, I remember years ago, doing "a brisk speed" on a Moto Guzzi just outside Bologna when a Carabineri car came alongside, the (many) occupants waving at me, I thought I was due a ticket, no, it was an invitation to race. Perhaps the reason I didn't get a ticket was that I let them win !!