French motorway tolls: can I pay in advance?

Kay Blackwell writes

Is there any way to prepay French autoroute tolls? My husband and I experienced considerable difficulties last year leaning out and reaching the credit card slots.

Nick Trend, consumer expert, writes

Yes - but it will cost you a little more. French motorway operator Sanef does now offer Liber-t télépéage tags to UK motorists. These allows you to use the automated T lanes, so beating the queues and removing the need to lean out of the window and pay manually. The Liber-t scheme covers the whole of the French autoroute system and the initial upfront cost of the tag is €39.20. This includes a €20 a refundable deposit that you get back if you return the tag. There is also a €6 annual fee which is included in the initial cost and is then payable each year that you have the tag. The tolls themselves are the same price as you would pay if you paid by cash or card at the toll plaza, but you also pay 5 euros a month each month you use the tag (but only up to a maximum of 10 euros in any one year). Payment for the service is by direct debit from a UK bank account and you receive a monthly statement detailing your tolls. See the Sanef website, for more details (saneftolling.co.uk).

^{The Millau Viaduct is one of the most impressive stretches of French motorway. (Photo: Stefan Krause, Germany)}

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About Nick Trend

Nick Trend trained at the Consumers’ Association and has been an editor and writer for the Telegraph Travel section since 1995.  Our consumer editor offers insider tips to make planning a trip easier – and suggests innovative ways of making more out of your holidays. Email him at nick.trend@telegraph.co.uk or follow him on Twitter: @travellingtrend

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