Holidaymakers could have a holiday in Europe "tarnished" by a £155 fine if they turn up without an "important document". John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance, warned UK drivers heading to France that they require a Clean Air Sticker in almost all cities.
John said: “From passports to visas and travel insurance, there’s a myriad of important documentation that must be arranged in the lead-up to a trip abroad. Frustratingly, too, rules regularly change – so keeping up to date with the latest regulations can be a headache.
"It’s therefore understandable that applying for your Crit’Air sticker could get lost in the process. However, it would be distressing if your long-awaited holiday was tarnished due to such a small admin issue and the resulting fine. So, we’re urging holidaymakers to double-check that they’re organised in plenty of time, to avoid disappointment.”
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There are 6 categories of certificates, each with a different colour, to encourage the least polluting vehicles. The Crit'Air sticker concerns all vehicles: private cars, two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles, light commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles including buses and coaches.
The Crit'Air certificate is only compulsory in certain zones. In Paris, the sticker is compulsory within the perimeter of the A86 motorway from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm, except on public holidays. But experts have warned it could take up to 10 days to arrive.
Lyon, Aix-Marseille, Toulouse, Nice, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rouen, Reims and Saint-Étienne have all made the stickers law. From 2025, all cities and agglomerations with more than 150,000 inhabitants will be required to introduce a Low Emission Mobility Zone.
The Clean Air website warns: "The cost is 3.70€ plus postage (3,11€ + 1,50€). The estimated delivery time is 5 to 10 days. Please note that offending vehicles will be fined 68€ for a private car and 135€ for a coach."
