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The Final Checks Before the Checkpoint
24 July 2018
The morning departure for any driving holiday to Europe undoubtedly brings with it a last-minute packing panic. Everyone is scrambling to ensure that there is plenty of time left to reach the 5.00AM ferry that probably departs at 4.45AM. During this last-minute rush, it is more than likely that concerns will revolve around whether there are still three children in the back of the car or whether your father-in-law wandered off at the breakfast pit stop.
The last thing that anyone should have to worry about is whether or not there is adequate documentation attached to their company leased vehicle to enable them, not only to avoid fines upon arrival, but also to actually leave the country. The issue is particularly relevant as there is an annual exodus of 20.6million people leaving the UK via the Channel Tunnel and 20million people leaving via various ferry crossings. The Dover to Calais route alone saw 9.1million people in 2016. To avoid a problem at the checkpoints, businesses may wish to get in touch with their employees during the summer period to remind them of their responsibilities.
Before heading South to sunnier climes for the summer, it must be acknowledged that a company leased vehicle requires a VE103 certificate. It is the responsibility of the fleet managers to ensure licensing for overseas travel but, with fleet managers approval, Marshall Leasing can assist directly with obtaining this “vehicle on hire” certificate providing a ten-day period is allowed for receival of the certificate.
Once the VE103 is secured and the vehicle is cleared to leave the country, it is time to cast attention to how the vehicle will fare once outside of the UK’s borders. Whether it is in the Umweltzonen in Germany or the Milieuzones of The Netherlands or any other linguistic variation of Low Emission Zone, Europe is arguably pulling ahead of the UK with its green legislation. Two hundred cities in ten countries contain these LEZs. The LEZ has a direct impact on the roaming motorist, mainly in the form of pollution fines. However, highly polluting vehicles can also face bans.
While the EU is a unified body, not all countries enforce the same regulations, with some seeming stricter than others. Forever an icon of efficiency and organisation, Germany requires all incoming traffic to obtain the appropriate environmental classification sticker in conjunction with their vehicle class. Marshall Leasing provides a link under the helpful “Foreign Travel Authorisation” department of their website where more detailed and domain specific information can be found.
The rich diversity of culture, history or climate are some of Europe’s great selling points. However, they also bring more restrictions to motorists, with some European cities enforcing regulations on noise pollution as well as “no go” zones around buildings of historical significance.
But not to fear! When heading into the cities where these penalties apply it is best to leave the car behind anyway and explore on foot. With the correct documentation mentioned above as well as sufficient UK MOT, correct insurance and up to date taxes it won’t be long until the car is out on the winding Italian roads, gliding past French orange groves or tearing up the miles on the German autobahn.
And don't forget that if your car needs a service, it is far better to do it before you set off on a long journey.
Safe travels!
Useful Links
Automobile Association
GOV.UK
Department for Transport
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