Motorway tolls

[mointainwalker]

Hi

Just a quick question whether you believe tolls are economically viable or not.

I live in France and Frernch tolls vary according to the cost of road-construction, so the cost in the Alps can be close to three times the cost in the northern or western flat-lands.
If I am looking at driving down the Rhone valley, the cost is about 13p/mile: the topography of the alternative route is probably similar to what you would have if you paralleled the M6 northbound, although with more towns.

My car is a 1.8 Vectra and I get close to 40 mpg on motorway cruising and probably 20% less on normal roads. Given the lesser fuel consumption and component wear , do you think that it is worthwhile taking the toll-road for 300+ miles? There is no question of an extra overnight stop in the different journeys. I'm just asking this for interest as I will will be going this way in a couple of weeks and it occured to me as an interesting topic ( hope i haven't got that wrong ) Looking forward to your opinions.

 

[Brigadier]

Do you think any difference in time and/or (in)convenience is worth the spending and/or saving £45?

I was very happy to spend the toll money en route to the Dordogne, to reduce the stress.

 

[johnny2007]

In Italy you pay to travel on motorways, but it's well worth it.
£100 extra on a holiday is very little in the grand scheme of things...

 

[Burnerman]

Having ridden many thousands of miles in my favourite country, I prefer the Toll roads if I need to get there quickly but the RN's if I have more time.
One thing, if there are deviations to the route due to 'routes barre' then the diversion can be 30 miles at times.
Toll roads naturally tend to be quieter too, and in better condition if I recall.
John

 

[Murdochcat]

If you’re not in a hurry take the back roads but I would probably use the motorway as the French ones are so good and in general not busy at all.

As a Brit I had no problem paying them earlier this summer

AND I do think some form of motorway charging needs to be instigated in the UK

 

[yorksbuilder]

If travelling the Rhone valley, take the autoroute as apart from Lyon it's free of bottlenecks and the alternative roads, (N7) while good are just more roundabouts and more likely to be stuck behind a truck. The autoroute is safer too

 

[yorksbuilder]

Also I recommend getting a toll T tag from ATMB.fr

No cost in the month you don't use it, and smoother/quicker/more efficient driving, as you just slow down to 30kph and keep moving

 

[carmanmemoranda]

Ive never considered whether the French toll rodas are economicaslly viable or not.

If you want to cover distance, relateively quickly, they are generally good.

If you want to explore more locally and not worried about the pace, then avoid them.

Cost is relative to the above imo

 

[yorksbuilder]

If the lowest cost of overall journey is the primary concern, avoid the autoroutes. If you want the smoothest, quickest journey, use them.