Beware French fines
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MORE rigid enforcement of rules governing "closed door" coach tours by French authorities have resulted in stiff fines for some British coach operators and the Department of Transport has reminded coach operators sending vehicles to the Continent to be aware of the rules and keep to them.
Particular care should be taken in filling out the waybill and this should be done before the coach leaves its garage in Britain. Operators should ensure that all excursions which form part of the tour are entered on the waybill and that the document is stamped at border crossings.
Coach drivers are warned not to operate unofficial excursions that are not on the waybill as these could lead to problems for both the driver and operator. There have been cases in France where coaches have been stopped and operators have incurred heavy penalties because some passengers listed on the waybill have opted out of an excursion.
Only when all members of the group participate in an excursion is it considered by the authorities an integral part of the tour. The French regard any other trips as work for local coach operators.
Drivers' hours and records are also reported to be coming under closer scrutiny and the DTp reminds operators that they should "know the rules and keep to them".