France Abolishes Toll Booths: Digital Nightmare for Drivers or Highway Revolution?
Driving on French highways is about to change forever. The era of stopping at toll booths, known as péage, is coming to an end. But instead of waiting in line, drivers face a potential trap — a new digital toll system with very short payment deadlines and draconian fines for delays, reports Autobild.
Goodbye traffic jams, but at what cost?
Several key highways have already removed toll booths that caused long queues. The plan is to have none by 2024. Instead of classic toll stations with barriers, France is introducing an electronic system called “flux libre.” Cameras will automatically scan vehicle license plates, and drivers have only 72 hours to pay the toll online or via apps.
Fines that don’t forgive
Payment is exclusively electronic, usually through French-language websites or apps. Miss the short deadline, and you enter a penalty system where fines can reach up to 180 euros! And don’t think you’re safe if you’re not from France — thanks to international agreements, fines can be collected from foreign drivers as well.
Digital revolution or digital terror?
The French government claims the new system will reduce traffic jams and CO2 emissions thanks to smoother traffic flow. However, drivers are already complaining about complications and fear of fines. Language barriers and short payment windows make things even harder.
What do drivers say?
Many drivers feel the system will track their every move, and fines will rain down like a storm. Switching to a fully digital system is no small feat, and mistakes and forgetfulness are inevitable.
Conclusion
France has decided to modernize its toll collection system, but is this truly a relief for drivers or just the beginning of a digital nightmare? The “flux libre” system brings speed and efficiency but also draconian fines and stress. What do you think? Is this the right path or just another way to burden us? Share your thoughts — maybe together we can find a way out of this digital maze!
Source: Autobild, Index.hr
