INFORMATION FOR FRANCE AND SPAIN
In France, the loads are also
classified by size. A 'normal' load is up to the standard width
of a trailer (2.5mtrs wide and no more than 4mtrs high).
Anything over this is classed
as 'Convoi Exceptionnel'.
Boats from 2.5m up to 3m wide
are classed as Cat.1. These loads require a special permit and
can only use certain roads. Some motorways can be used, but only
within certain times and some junctions may be prohibited due
to narrow toll booths. Maximum loaded height of 4.5m if auto routes
are used.
Loads 3m to 4m wide are classed
Category 2. Cat 2 loads require escort vehicles to travel with
them all the time, and are subject to specific routes and times.
The vehicle and load cannot travel on any auto routes, and depending
on height the route can have hundreds of miles added, to bypass
bridges that are too low etc.
For both Cat 1 and Cat 2 loads
in France, certain areas will not permit driving at night, whilst
there are also a whole host of different 'bans', meaning we cannot
transit towns and villages during certain hours. This can add
considerable time and mileage to journeys.
In Spain, the only routes we
can use are specified on our permits, and we have a whole itinerary
of permits that link up allowing us to make various journeys.
The standard width for a Cat 2 permit in Spain is 4.5m wide, still
requiring the full use of a pilot vehicle.
Generally in France and Spain,
the bridge heights are lower. This requires the boat or yacht
to sit as low as possible on the trailer, and any item that can
be removed may need to be removed to allow a safe trip. (Flybridge
screens, rails etc)
When filling out the enquiry
form it is important that we have as much information and as many
dimensions as possible, so we can calculate the correct route,
and to enable the paperwork to be filed in order that we can operate
on the day without any problems.
WHAT
TO DO NEXT
Call Simon on (07967) 588965 to discuss your
transport request, or
Email us at: info@boat-shift.com