Europe by Car FAQs

The MARPOL Annex VI (“The Sulphur Directive”) is an international agreement on sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions for operators in certain sea areas know as Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs). The goal is to significantly and progressively reduce sulphur limits within the defined SECAs so that sulphur emissions are reduced from 1.0% to 0.1% from 1st January 2015.

In order to reduce sulphur emissions to be within the acceptable levels, a combination of higher fuel costs and investment will be required for all affected ferry operators.

Our Rosslare-Cherbourg route operates within the SECAs, and as a result, all new bookings made from 1st September 2014 will be subject to a fuel surcharge for passengers and vehicles travelling on this route from 1st January 2015.

Environmental SECA fuel charges (each way):

Adults: €3.00

Children: €1.50

Vehicles: €3.00

Charges are per person and per vehicle. There are no charges for infants (0-3 years), bicycles or trailers.

Yes, there are a number of toll roads in the UK; most of which are river crossings. The ones you are most likely to come across are:

• M6 Toll – West Midlands and around Birmingham (optional if you stay on the M6)
• M48 Severn Bridge / M4 Second Severn Crossing
• A41/A59 - Mersey Tunnels
• M25 – Dartford River Crossing

Yes, all Autoroutes (except for short sections through some cities and areas) are toll roads (’Peage‘): take a ticket when you enter, pay when you exit (cash or Mastercard/Visa card).

The rate of toll varies and depends on how old (cheaper) or how new (dearer) the Autoroute is. For further information click here

Although you pay tolls, the Autoroutes are wider, better and emptier than in England. The French Autoroutes do deliver you to your destination safely and speedily. Alternatively you can enjoy more relaxed motoring, travelling on the Route Nationale. If you travel from Cherbourg or Calais to Montpellier by Route Nationale you will certainly have to spend one overnight stop. It is of course delightful to dawdle down the Routes Nationales stopping at agreeable auberges en route, but your Gite or campsite is probably booked from Saturday to Saturday.

As the list is subject to change please see the following links for the latest information:

France

Netherlands

Other countries

Yes, Pets are part of the family and are treated just the same as we would treat any other passenger.

N.B. IMPORTANT Make sure that you advise us at the time of booking that you are travelling with a pet.

For further details see the UK Government website: if using Landbridge or the Irish Government website if going Rosslare – Cherbourg

Yes, a passport is required for all passengers (including children and infants), valid at least 6 months beyond the date of return for all trips to Mainland Europe.

You will not be permitted to travel on our routes to Mainland Europe (including our Harwich-Hook of Holland and Rosslare-Cherbourg routes) without a valid passport.

Yes, for tourist information, please click on the links below:

For visa requirements and information (for non-EU and British Citizens), please visit https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/

The speed limit on motorways is generally 110, 120 or 130 km/h and the limit in built-up areas is 50 or 60 km/h. Keep an eye on the signs to make sure of the exact limits and any special conditions that apply. Below is a table giving general maximum speed limits for cars. In some countries limits are reduced in bad weather conditions or for newly qualified drivers.

It is an offence to carry more passengers in a vehicle than it is constructed to seat. Many countries do not permit children to travel as front-seat passengers, or only allow them to do so when using a restraint system appropriate to age and/or height. NEVER use a rear–facing child restraint system in a front seat where the vehicle is fitted with a passenger airbag.

For the latest information and directions, please click on: www.aaireland.ie or www.rac.co.uk, select the travel section, then select route planner, choosing Europe, fill in the relevant information and both sites will give you the directions, mileage, driving time with the road numbers.

We strongly recommend that all passengers travelling to the continent are in possession of a valid European Health Insurance card and personal travel insurance to give you peace of mind, knowing that you are covered in the event of something happening.

Yes

Yes

Service areas are infrequent (about every 50km) they are large with every imaginable service. Mastercard/Visa are accepted. All day, every day, even on bank holidays such as Christmas and New Year. By law, Motorway Services areas have to offer food, parking and toilets 24 hours a day, with no closures at all.

The M25 (London Orbital) is frequently slow on its southern sector; M40 to London via Birmingham – Oxford has taken some of the pressure off the M1 between Birmingham and London