French road police have reminded drivers and hauliers that the road running through the town of Gacé (D438) is subject to a HGV ban and thus cannot be used as an alternative route by those seeking to avoid paying the road tolls on the A28.
The section of the the D438 that runs through Gacé has been off limits to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes since 2006. However, it is said that more than 500 truck drivers are still using the route everyday in order to avoid paying expensive motorway tolls.
Those who use the D438 risk being fined 90 euros. According to French road transport site Les Routiers, many drivers are confused as to why the road has a HGV ban given that commercial goods traffic is authorized in the surrounding municipalities.
The town’s mayor claims the D438 is dangerous and unsuitable for lorry traffic because the road is so bendy.
Les Routiers reports that in the space of two and a half hours, 23 truck drivers were fined for breaking the HGV ban on the D438 on Monday. There were also an additional 14 fines administered regarding violations of driving and rest times, as well as one offense of driving without a tachograph card.
The local council is reportedly studying alternatives routes to crossing the town as well as incentives for carriers to take the A28.
Meanwhile, a report last month found that France has some of Europe’s most expensive road tolls.
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