Reading the threads about experiences with Police checks etc. I suppose we have been lucky in France. Our only two experiences of French Police were:-
1
Approaching a T-junction with a Stop sign I slowed down and changed into second gear on approach. I could see both directions were clear within my sight, (a good half kilometre in each direction), so I continued through the junction, slowly, but I didn't come to a complete halt.
On joining the main road I travelled to the nearest bend where I was flagged down by the Gendarmerie. A Police car parked behind a bush had seen my illegal manouvre! I said to my wife "There goes the price of our dinner for the next few nights" and pulled over.
The Policeman informed that he had seen me approach the junction and slow down but not stop. His hand was resting on his gun holster which was a bit intimidating to say the least. I agreed that he was correct and waited for the fine.
With a smile he said "Monsieur, in my Country Stop means STOP. Do not do it again ! Enjoy your holiday". and waved us back out onto the road. I would have kissed him except I thought that might also be illegal !
2
Whilst stationary at a road junction a lorry, which had been parked at the side of the road reversed into our rear pushing us into the junction. Fortunately nothing was coming along the road at the time but our vehicle suffered damage from the shunt.
The lorry driver didn't know he had hit us and started to drive off. I blew our horn loudly and he stopped. When he got out he started the "Gallic Shrug" gesture as if to say we shouldn't have been at the junction.
At that point a "Police Municipal" officer arrived on the scene. He had heard the bang of the collision and our horn blast. The Lorry driver tried to say we had reversed into him. Fortunately, the Policeman had already spoken to a couple of bystanders before he approached us and knew the true story.
He let the lorry driver commit himself and then told told him.
At that stage he used the lorry driver's mobile phone to contact the lorry owners and told them what had happened. He suggested that they accepted liability for the damage, and paid for it and he would take no further action. They agreed.
The Policeman then got in our vehicle, guided us to a local garage and explained the situation. Result :- our vehicle was fixed within three days and the lorry drivers firm picked up the bill direct.
Quel Service !
:thumb:
1
Approaching a T-junction with a Stop sign I slowed down and changed into second gear on approach. I could see both directions were clear within my sight, (a good half kilometre in each direction), so I continued through the junction, slowly, but I didn't come to a complete halt.
On joining the main road I travelled to the nearest bend where I was flagged down by the Gendarmerie. A Police car parked behind a bush had seen my illegal manouvre! I said to my wife "There goes the price of our dinner for the next few nights" and pulled over.
The Policeman informed that he had seen me approach the junction and slow down but not stop. His hand was resting on his gun holster which was a bit intimidating to say the least. I agreed that he was correct and waited for the fine.
With a smile he said "Monsieur, in my Country Stop means STOP. Do not do it again ! Enjoy your holiday". and waved us back out onto the road. I would have kissed him except I thought that might also be illegal !
2
Whilst stationary at a road junction a lorry, which had been parked at the side of the road reversed into our rear pushing us into the junction. Fortunately nothing was coming along the road at the time but our vehicle suffered damage from the shunt.
The lorry driver didn't know he had hit us and started to drive off. I blew our horn loudly and he stopped. When he got out he started the "Gallic Shrug" gesture as if to say we shouldn't have been at the junction.
At that point a "Police Municipal" officer arrived on the scene. He had heard the bang of the collision and our horn blast. The Lorry driver tried to say we had reversed into him. Fortunately, the Policeman had already spoken to a couple of bystanders before he approached us and knew the true story.
He let the lorry driver commit himself and then told told him.
At that stage he used the lorry driver's mobile phone to contact the lorry owners and told them what had happened. He suggested that they accepted liability for the damage, and paid for it and he would take no further action. They agreed.
The Policeman then got in our vehicle, guided us to a local garage and explained the situation. Result :- our vehicle was fixed within three days and the lorry drivers firm picked up the bill direct.
Quel Service !
:thumb:
