Les Routiers Finds a Home from Home
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I ONG-DISTANCE drivers running
between Holland and France have no worries about accommodation en route. Les Routiers, founded in France 15 years ago by M. Francois de Saulieu, enables drivers to find food and accommodation of the type to which they are accustomed at home.
All over France, 2,500 hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafés have been approved by Les Ratifiers, and display a circular sign in red and blue. Drivers who call produce their membership cards and are assured of a welcome. If the proprietor has his establishment full, he will do his best to lodge a driver with friends.
Over 2,000 French drivers belong to Les Routiers and upon payment of a small membership fee receive a list of the organization's recommended hostels and garages. As road transport has expanded, so has Les Routiers.
Holland was the first country to follow France's example, and in 1948 Les Routiers Europdens was founded by various transport, labour, tourist and other organizations. The membership fee for drivers is three guilders (about bs.) a year. Membership also includes /50 driver's insurance. So far, 150 establishments have been approved, but the list is lengthening. Only those hostels offering good service and reasonable prices are considered for recommendation; complaints are carefully investigated.
In a small country like Holland, drivers rarely need night accommodation away from home. However, for those .who do, and for visiting foreign drivers, Les Routiers Europdens is becoming invaluable. So far, only some 250 Dutch drivers have joined, but the number is expected to increase.
The French and Dutch organizations arc co-operating and each body's facilities are mutually enjoyed. Moreover, the Dutch organization is compiling lists of Belgian and German hotels. There are already hotels in Germany specially catering for drivers and passengers travelling on international coach services.
The aim is to have similar organizations in all the chief European countries, which will co-operate. Drivers from any country would then easily be able to find good accommodation at fair prices in any other country thrpugh which they were passing.