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France launches free-flow toll: drive faster, wait less!
Discover the new free-flow toll systems in France, which will be introduced from 2025 on key motorway sections, including the A4 from Saarbrücken to Metz. Find out about payment methods and possible fraud alerts.
France launches free-flow toll: drive faster, wait less!
In France, the transport infrastructure is constantly being modernized, and more and more motorways are now relying on the innovative free-flow toll system (péage en flux libre). This new system, which has replaced the previous toll payment at stations, aims to significantly reduce waiting times for drivers. The free-flow system is already being used successfully on several motorway sections, such as the A4 from Saarbrücken to Metz, the A13/A14 between Paris and Caen and the A79 between Montmarault and Digoin oeamtc.at reports.
The introduction of the free flow system on additional routes between 2025 and 2027 is planned for the coming years. These include the A40 from Chamonix to Geneva (50 kilometers) and the A69 from Castres to Toulouse (53 kilometers). Individual slip roads on the A41, A48 and A49 motorways in the Lyon and Grenoble region are also planned. However, there is still no concrete information about the schedule for heavily frequented routes such as A7 and A8, reports adac.de.
How does the free flow system work?
The free-flow toll system relies on electronic license plate recognition, which means that physical toll stations are no longer necessary. Payment is made within 72 hours of using the relevant motorway section. Drivers can choose from various payment methods: from using a toll box to online payments on the motorway company's websites to automatic payments at rest stops or in NIRIO tobacco shops. When paying online, the vehicle registration number must be provided and there is also the option to register for automatic debits or email reminders. But be careful: late payments can result in fines of up to 375 euros, and there are warning voices about toll fraudsters who send fake payment requests, like both oeamtc.at as well as adac.de emphasize emphatically.
At the same time, by switching to the new system, the French state expects annual savings of around 1.7 million hours of waiting time on the highways, saving 9.5 million liters of fuel and reducing 30,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. Interestingly, the introduction of such systems leads to a noticeable improvement in the traffic situation not only in France, but also in other European countries such as Italy, Portugal and Spain.
The introduction of the free flow system not only optimizes the flow of traffic; The environment also benefits from the reduced emissions. So if you're planning a road trip to France soon, you should familiarize yourself with the new payment methods in good time and keep an eye on developments on the motorways.