Le Mans 2015

[Doohickey]

Good point! I don't think anyone knew where the police were hiding last year so probably wouldn't have made much difference. We certainly didn't see them.

Best not to speed at all!

 

[drewf]

That's the missing bit that the (free) Waze app gives you. Since it's updated by the users in real time, you get warning of the actual police locations. Works better in France than the UK for this aspect, as I guess the users there have really taken up the concept.

 

[Felonious Crud]

How does the Garmin know where the mobile police are?

On the TomTom iPhone thingy (and probably Android as well) if you subscribe to speed camera alerts you can tap a button when you see a mobile one. A few people reporting the same thing in the same place auto-approves the update which is then applied for some temporary duration and other TomTom speed camera subs are also alerted. Not sure if it works in France but don't see why it wouldn't.

Note that even if you don't subscribe to speed cameras it still shows where they are, it just only updates when there's a software update.

CamerAlert / PocketGPSWorld might be worth a look if you sometime suffer from being just a shade too fast. Subscription service again.

 

[drewf]

Thanks Adam - I haven't ever actually used a TomTom, nor bought a Garmin since the very first commercial model of Garmin GPS units without a display. Back then I used them to drive a moving map, the tech for which I sold to Garmin. Happy days I've never paid for a map system since though, and I'm surprised people still do.

 

[zagatoes30]

Guys,

I'm going to a different LeMans event (booked before I found out about this) and it will be my first. Staying in a campsite (glamping) right next to the track.

Which Glamping site are you staying in? We are in Houx Annexe, we are every year - not sure it's as posh as yours by the sound of it

 

[Jon]

Which Glamping site are you staying in? We are in Houx Annexe, we are every year - not sure it's as posh as yours by the sound of it

Apparently it's right close by the Circuit de la Sarthe - it's a corporate event that's been done for many years but first time I've been able to attend (hopefully not the last!)

 

[Jon]

You will have to check but I am pretty sure the Maserati Trident warranty does cover you if you break down in Europe. You may have to hang around whilst it is fixed but I am sure they will put you up.

I will check thanks Conaero - if I find out anything I will post it here.

 

[Jon]

Jon, have a word with your Insurance company. Most do a 'bolt on' recovery package for a few extra quid. Also, make sure you are covered fully comp abroad as some policies revert to '3rd party only' as soon as you 'hit the beaches'.

Noted, thanks Benny - I'm on the case

 

[conaero]

Yes, good point Benny, the insurance companies sell you a fully comp policy and tell you, you are covered abroad, what they fail to tell you is that you are only covered third party, its a bit of a well know scam within the insurance industry and one that caught one of our members out in Italy last year!

He ended up taking the insurance company to court...and he won!

 

[Chrisbassett]

They love to hide up in the framework of bridges (got Matt last year), behind bushes down the service access roads and especially just round corners leading down a hill (got me twice). Usually they will have a scooby or a tweaked Renault or be on motorbikes. Be especially aware from about 2-3km before a toll or exit.

Usual advice is carry your license, insurance doc and enough cash to pay a fine or two - if you don't have enough or the correct amount (they are not obliged to give change), they will take you off the motorway to the nearest shop/cash machine - and that can be 10+ miles away in a rural setting (most of France!)

 

[Felonious Crud]

Good advice, Chris. Re license - are they happy with the plastic one or do they insist on the paper one as well?

 

[drewf]

The paper part won't be valid after 8th June anyway. Let them keep it

 

[Chrisbassett]

Never been asked for the paper one outside the UK, whether by authorities or hire companies. Your mileage may vary!

 

[drewf]

That's probably why the paper part will be disappearing. No-one else has them.

 

[Contigo]

Mate lives in Spain, been a resident over there for 10 years +, driving home last week, stopped by the cops for a routine check, asked to display License and pulled out a flea bitten paper license from 30 years ago. They laughed in his face and issued him a 300 Euro on the spot fine, impounded his car and he had to walk home ans ask the wife to collect it.

I guess they are bringing the law forward (June 8th) or were miffed at him as he should have had a Spanish or at least a photocard EU type license because he has been there so long!

He's left now and is in Portugal where he is living tax free.

 

[Doohickey]

Regardless of what the law says, I'm taking my paper one with me since it's just the sort of excuse the rozzers need to fine you that weekend. Apart from anything else, I've only renewed last year having lost the last one so I'm determined to get some use out of it!

 

[zagatoes30]

I always take both parts of my license.

The one that gets a lot of brits is Hi Vis jackets must be in the car not in the boot, a number of UK guys got caught out by this over the last couple of years. The Gendarmes in some towns certainly use Le Mans as a money raising opportunity.

 

[safrane]

I still have my paper one only?????

 

[Felonious Crud]

Mandatory self-test breathalysers were never introduced, correct?

 

[Jon]

I will check thanks Conaero - if I find out anything I will post it here.

So, my insurers have confirmed in writing that I have Fully Comprehensive cover whilst in Europe subject prior submission of dates. They can bolt on a Breakdown Recovery package for about £65 but I know that Eurotunnel offers a good package for £55 including travel insurance etc. If Trident doesn't extend to Europe for less I will go teh Eurotunnel route.