I think there are still some exits where you can pay with cash, but we pay with a contactless debit card, very quick and easy for the person in the passenger seat. If you are concerned about using a card, use one with a limited amount in the account.
At the moment ATMB have a special offer on their tags with no initial fee, we have used them for years and it is so much easier than queuing at the booths. The only cost over and above the standard peage fee is 1.90 euros for any month that you actually use it and I believe that is waived if you use it 3 times in any one month.
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We use the ATMB tag, have done for a few years, the Wonderful Mrs Wez says getting the tag removed a major cause of stress for her as she was the one who had to deal with the debit card reader, we enjoy our holidays much more now.
There always seem to be more barriers which rely on you having the tag and they're much quicker, you barely have to stop before the tag lets out a satisfying beep and the barrier raises.
We have had the ATMB tag for a number of years - probably 6 or 7 at least. We always go through a standard channel on our first outing, just in case, but the battery has so far worked each time.
------------- Freedom is a light caravan and an open road.
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Quote: Originally posted by DaveS1 on 17/2/2025
I usually travel out of season and only ever use a debit/credit card. A small amount for a tag but why pay extra for something that is free.
DaveS1.
Because every time we approached the barrier the Wonderful Mrs Wez would be in fear and dread of the card not being accepted and having to use her finest French (which is really rather good), to speak to a remote operative OR she wouldn't be able to reach the payment point and have to get out to make payment all with people queuing up behind us, she doesn't need the stress and I don't want/need her getting stressed so the tag is a small price to pay to avoid any of this.
In all the years of using the cash/card payment method, I've never had a card retained (in the old days when you pushed it into a slot and hoped it came out....), refused, failing barrier, or indeed any other tricky situation. At the start of the holiday OH has to practice positioning the 'van so I can pay through the window, though odd times I've had to get out, but hey, we're on holiday.
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Quote: Originally posted by MrWez on 16/2/2025
We use the ATMB tag, have done for a few years, the Wonderful Mrs Wez says getting the tag removed a major cause of stress for her as she was the one who had to deal with the debit card reader, we enjoy our holidays much more now.
There always seem to be more barriers which rely on you having the tag and they're much quicker, you barely have to stop before the tag lets out a satisfying beep and the barrier raises.
We got one 8 or 9 years ago so we could bring my father in law on his last trip to France - being well over 6ft tall he had to sit in the passenger seat but wouldn't have been capable of using the machine. It's proved invaluable since as my dear wife likes to sleep on journeys.
Have lived in France for the last 6 years and yes, more 30kmph tag lanes. Proved to be a time saver when taking my wife to hospital visits in Toulouse during rush hour (thankfully clear of cancer now) or crossing to the Ile de Re and bypassing a couple of hundred yards of queues.
Do miss it when the car had UK reg plates and aiming for the tag lane we would often get flashed by French drivers thinking stupid brit in wrong lane.
Now, generally, we just get quite a few double takes from drivers & pedestrians from having a R/H drive car with French plates.
Plus one for ATMB, which I’ve been using for quite a few years. As I’m now a solo camper, it’s proved almost essential. Theoretically, I could climb across, lean out of the window, and flash the card: have to do that with sites with entry barriers on left. And yes, still get the First Péage syndrome, and enjoy the 30kph lane flying start.
Quote: Originally posted by badger54 on 18/2/2025
There is also that lovely feeling when the cars that have passed you before the peage are waiting in line while you sail through without stopping.
Quote: Originally posted by minicamper2001 on 18/2/2025
You’ve almost persuaded me to get one!
Well worth it - wouldn't be without one esp as we make 3 or 4 trips a year back to the UK to visit family and have a 400 mile plus drive to / from Caen or St Malo, which luckily is a good 75% autoroute from where we live.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: French motorways
via mobile 16/2/2025 at 8:04am
