Channel Tunnel

Lordy · 5th March 2017, 18:04

Hiya all I've got a question.

In the near future like too drive too Germany, I've never been on the channel tunnel before in my life and wanted too ask your experience on them.

I know there's going too be security checks passports in order etc.

Is anything else I need to be aware off if I'm driving a car or Van.

Like too know as much as I can, when I do go over I'll be ready.

Jay · 5th March 2017, 18:25

There is just that bit in the middle going there when the Channel tunnel trains change from the left side of the track to the right side so your traveling on the European side

Lordy · 5th March 2017, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

There is just that bit in the middle going there when the Channel tunnel trains change from the left side of the track to the right side so your traveling on the European side

Driving the wrong side of the road will be quite interesting.

that's the bit that worry's me.

Lordy · 5th March 2017, 19:12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhsWvREDh-s

Been watching this now, got too say this is one the best documentary's I've seen on civil engineering I've ever seen.

Tourist · 5th March 2017, 20:26

There's nothing to it really - I've been over loads of times, to Le Mans, on various holidays and the like. It's sooooo much better than taking a ferry because it's a lot quicker.

You need to let them know if you've got anything on the roof, or if our vehicle is higher than a certain height - with two bikes on top on the way to Le Mans, we end up in with the caravans and trucks.

During the journey across the chanel there's nowhere to go and not a lot of point in getting out of the car so take something to keep you occupied for 35 minutes.

Remember to keep the card you book the trip on - booking in is child's play - a combination of ANPR and the booking card means you'll have your windscreen tag very quickly.

In terms of timing, if you arrive early, you'll probably end up on an earlier train, but if it's a busy period, don't arrive late as you'll be at the mercy of their booking schedule and could be in for a few hours' wait. We were once late for a 2 pm return journey from Le Mans and because the place was mental busy, we had to wait until 10 pm! Not doing that again....

In the UK Passenger terminal there's the usual fast-food and cafe facilities, as well as a Smiths. One useful thing to know is that you can order your Euros on the Travelex website when the rate is good, and then pick the money up in the Eurostar terminal.

Fuel was cheaper in France last time we went so if that's still the case don't stress about filling your car up in the UK. There are several fuel stations on the French side, as there are quite a few supermarkets close to the French terminal.

Don't worry about driving on the right - you soon get used to it. The thing that you have to be careful about is when you first start out in the morning or after a break in driving. Perhaps put a little note to yourself above the speedo so you don't forget. Good practice also is to follow all the French traffic laws and remember that all speed limits are in KPH.

You'll probably end up on toll roads during your journey - if you're the only person in the car then they'll all be on the wrong side for you! It's possible to reach through, or just leave yourself some room and get out. Cash is probably the easiest way to go for the tolls, so look for the Attendant logo above the lanes where you can pay cash to a person. If you pay by card then there are dedicated card lanes with automatic machines.

If you're going to drive through Switzerland at any time, you'll need a Vignette which is a windscreen sticker that shows you've paid your Swiss road tax. You will get stung for one of those on the border (a whole year's tax in one go) and they'll peel it off and stick it to your windscreen. The wise traveller buys in advance, tapes it to their windscreen and then sells it on eBay when they return!

Finally, check out the list of stuff you have to carry, which includes a fire extinguisher, hi-vis tabard for everyone in the car, accessible in the passenger compartment, warning triangle, bulb set and breathalyser.

A European Sat Nav will also help you a great deal.

Have fun, and enjoy those long, wide and incredibly smooth french toll roads!

Number 6 · 5th March 2017, 21:40

Finally, check out the list of stuff you have to carry, which includes a fire extinguisher, hi-vis tabard for everyone in the car, accessible in the passenger compartment, warning triangle, bulb set and breathalyser.

I would just like to point out That you do not need a Breathalyser. Although it is said you need one there is no process in place to fine you if you have not got one.

spyder · 5th March 2017, 23:18

I went in winter, with winter tyres for Germany and the extra insurance etc, it was way cheaper to book on the Eurostar ( we used Tesco points) and hire a car there for a week.

Question for the French members-does the Satnav have to have the speed cameras removed?

steve-45 · 5th March 2017, 23:38

Driving on the "wrong side" is quite easy, the only thing I found really strange was going around roundabouts the wrong way ........

planenut · 6th March 2017, 08:34

That's an excellent post from "Tourist".

Don't forget to make a list of all the fish you seen when you go under the Channel!

Number 6 · 6th March 2017, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyder

I went in winter, with winter tyres for Germany and the extra insurance etc, it was way cheaper to book on the Eurostar ( we used Tesco points) and hire a car there for a week.

Question for the French members-does the Satnav have to have the speed cameras removed?

In theory yes you are supposed to turn off the Speed camera warning in Practice I never do.

But even tho' it is turned on it does not warn me of any camera's in the approaching area where as it does when in the UK,

5th March 2017, 18:04	#1
Lordy This is my second home Ford Probe GT. Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Caenarfron Posts: 7,897 Thanks: 3,533 Thanked 2,516 Times in 1,481 Posts	Channel Tunnel Hiya all I've got a question. In the near future like too drive too Germany, I've never been on the channel tunnel before in my life and wanted too ask your experience on them. I know there's going too be security checks passports in order etc. Is anything else I need to be aware off if I'm driving a car or Van. Like too know as much as I can, when I do go over I'll be ready. __________________ Regardless of nation and Origin all Soldiers should be remembered past or present. Lest we forget. Never forget them and support our armed forces. https://i.imgur.com/oyca2Lyl.jpg?1 Passion Never Dies It Only Gets Stronger. Go your own way.

5th March 2017, 18:25	#2
Jay This is my second home Small....Far away Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norwich Posts: 9,473 Thanks: 2,707 Thanked 2,060 Times in 1,194 Posts	There is just that bit in the middle going there when the Channel tunnel trains change from the left side of the track to the right side so your traveling on the European side __________________ ~Karma will help or hinder you. Therefore look positive for this day~

5th March 2017, 19:12	#4
Lordy This is my second home Ford Probe GT. Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Caenarfron Posts: 7,897 Thanks: 3,533 Thanked 2,516 Times in 1,481 Posts	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhsWvREDh-s Been watching this now, got too say this is one the best documentary's I've seen on civil engineering I've ever seen. __________________ Regardless of nation and Origin all Soldiers should be remembered past or present. Lest we forget. Never forget them and support our armed forces. https://i.imgur.com/oyca2Lyl.jpg?1 Passion Never Dies It Only Gets Stronger. Go your own way.

5th March 2017, 20:26	#5
Tourist Loves to post 2004 Rover 75 Tourer CDTi Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Fulbourn, Cambridge Posts: 455 Thanks: 105 Thanked 123 Times in 101 Posts	There's nothing to it really - I've been over loads of times, to Le Mans, on various holidays and the like. It's sooooo much better than taking a ferry because it's a lot quicker. You need to let them know if you've got anything on the roof, or if our vehicle is higher than a certain height - with two bikes on top on the way to Le Mans, we end up in with the caravans and trucks. During the journey across the chanel there's nowhere to go and not a lot of point in getting out of the car so take something to keep you occupied for 35 minutes. Remember to keep the card you book the trip on - booking in is child's play - a combination of ANPR and the booking card means you'll have your windscreen tag very quickly. In terms of timing, if you arrive early, you'll probably end up on an earlier train, but if it's a busy period, don't arrive late as you'll be at the mercy of their booking schedule and could be in for a few hours' wait. We were once late for a 2 pm return journey from Le Mans and because the place was mental busy, we had to wait until 10 pm! Not doing that again.... In the UK Passenger terminal there's the usual fast-food and cafe facilities, as well as a Smiths. One useful thing to know is that you can order your Euros on the Travelex website when the rate is good, and then pick the money up in the Eurostar terminal. Fuel was cheaper in France last time we went so if that's still the case don't stress about filling your car up in the UK. There are several fuel stations on the French side, as there are quite a few supermarkets close to the French terminal. Don't worry about driving on the right - you soon get used to it. The thing that you have to be careful about is when you first start out in the morning or after a break in driving. Perhaps put a little note to yourself above the speedo so you don't forget. Good practice also is to follow all the French traffic laws and remember that all speed limits are in KPH. You'll probably end up on toll roads during your journey - if you're the only person in the car then they'll all be on the wrong side for you! It's possible to reach through, or just leave yourself some room and get out. Cash is probably the easiest way to go for the tolls, so look for the Attendant logo above the lanes where you can pay cash to a person. If you pay by card then there are dedicated card lanes with automatic machines. If you're going to drive through Switzerland at any time, you'll need a Vignette which is a windscreen sticker that shows you've paid your Swiss road tax. You will get stung for one of those on the border (a whole year's tax in one go) and they'll peel it off and stick it to your windscreen. The wise traveller buys in advance, tapes it to their windscreen and then sells it on eBay when they return! Finally, check out the list of stuff you have to carry, which includes a fire extinguisher, hi-vis tabard for everyone in the car, accessible in the passenger compartment, warning triangle, bulb set and breathalyser. A European Sat Nav will also help you a great deal. Have fun, and enjoy those long, wide and incredibly smooth french toll roads! Last edited by Tourist; 5th March 2017 at 20:43..

5th March 2017, 21:40	#6
Number 6 This is my second home Rover 75 tourer Club CD/Limo Tints Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Meneac Posts: 6,759 Thanks: 5,007 Thanked 1,609 Times in 869 Posts	Finally, check out the list of stuff you have to carry, which includes a fire extinguisher, hi-vis tabard for everyone in the car, accessible in the passenger compartment, warning triangle, bulb set and breathalyser. I would just like to point out That you do not need a Breathalyser. Although it is said you need one there is no process in place to fine you if you have not got one. __________________ ] "I started out with nothing, and Ive still got most of it left!"

5th March 2017, 23:18	#7
spyder This is my second home 75 CDT Auto Tourer , Rover 45 , Astra, Zaffira, Chev Captiva Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wilts Posts: 3,342 Thanks: 203 Thanked 436 Times in 360 Posts	I went in winter, with winter tyres for Germany and the extra insurance etc, it was way cheaper to book on the Eurostar ( we used Tesco points) and hire a car there for a week. Question for the French members-does the Satnav have to have the speed cameras removed? __________________ Chrome skull caps, EGR cleaned (original housing), Mondeo lower mounting, 12V outlets in the armrest and tourer boot, cat fixed, working FBH, Lidl plenum covers, DD with reverse camera.New speakesr/Tweeters with MDF rings. wood dash, Memory leather seats, wooden finished steering and handbrake, Xenon headlights.

5th March 2017, 23:38	#8
steve-45 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon CDTi Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Belvedere Posts: 4,076 Thanks: 108 Thanked 1,089 Times in 774 Posts	Driving on the "wrong side" is quite easy, the only thing I found really strange was going around roundabouts the wrong way ........

6th March 2017, 08:34	#9
planenut Regional Secretary Rover 1.8T Tourer Join Date: May 2007 Location: Heathrow Posts: 6,955 Thanks: 1,551 Thanked 2,036 Times in 1,264 Posts	That's an excellent post from "Tourist". Don't forget to make a list of all the fish you seen when you go under the Channel!