captain Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Oh yes - aren't I sensible. Driving from Weston-super-Mare to Poitiers via M5, M4, M25, M20, Chunnel, Calais etc. etc. Anybody on the route got a weather update and what should I be taking to make the journey easier? (Not counting heroin) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Stay away from the M25 and M20 at all costs, that's probably the best thing to do I'm only half-joking, most people are finishing work tomorrow so those roads are going to be absolutely manic. Other than that I'd just load up the iPod and be prepared to do a lot of waiting around, just in case. Hope it goes well for you though mate, have a good trip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac@TarmacSportz Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 I wouldn't fancy that journey.. Good luck buddy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted December 21, 2010 Author Share Posted December 21, 2010 Second time lucky for me. Went to Cuba on 1st December and took 9.5 hours from Somerset to Gatwick. 8 hours on M25 stuck on Reigate Hill. We could always take the "sensible" car - MX-5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 once you have crossed the channel, keep to the right Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac@TarmacSportz Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 once you have crossed the channel, keep to the right Valid point !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted December 21, 2010 Author Share Posted December 21, 2010 once you have crossed the channel, keep to the right If I get to Calais, I'll fly the rest of the f**king way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimjim Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Keep some cash on you... The Gendarmerie will fine you for speeding on teh spot. If you want to avoid being frog marched to a cash point, wasting time and cash point costs... keep plenty of euros on you (hidden, obviously) Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexx Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Tell the French you're from Hartlepool when you get over there. They'll all keep well clear of you in fear. And it might be worth you taking the M2 off the M25 after Dartford, then crossing town to the M20 via Ashford. Its always a gamble which of those roads to use. I worked in Dover for a year, and used to just see how I felt on the day and pick one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted December 21, 2010 Author Share Posted December 21, 2010 Tell the French you're from Hartlepool when you get over there. They'll all keep well clear of you in fear. And it might be worth you taking the M2 off the M25 after Dartford, then crossing town to the M20 via Ashford. Its always a gamble which of those roads to use. I worked in Dover for a year, and used to just see how I felt on the day and pick one. What would your call be then Lexx? I'm leaving at 10:00 tomorrow morning giving me 22 hours to get the 8:20 Chunnel on Thursday. Staying in Folkestone Weds night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glrnet Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 If only we'd know, mate, we're only just down the road from there! Second time lucky for me. Went to Cuba on 1st December and took 9.5 hours from Somerset to Gatwick. 8 hours on M25 stuck on Reigate Hill. We could always take the "sensible" car - MX-5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lexx Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Id just keep Traffic Announcements switched on, get over the Dartford Crossing, then if theres no major delays on the M20, take that. M20 is 3 lanes all the way to the Channel Tunnel. However, if the SE gets another massive dunmping of snow, listen out for Operation Stack being put into force. That'll upset everyones day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetSet Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Weather doesn't look too bad for that part of France, just above freezing 30% chance of some snow. Colder by Christmas though. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted December 21, 2010 Author Share Posted December 21, 2010 Weather doesn't look too bad for that part of France, just above freezing 30% chance of some snow. Colder by Christmas though. Pete Being snowed-in at the in-laws chateau isn't a problem! Getting there maybe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunkster Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Make sure you have your full European break down kit including warning triangle spare bulbs etc the coppers have a hard on for it. Also your beam benders 2 sets of for your lights are a must Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulletMagnet Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Funny that Lexx, Operation Stack seems to upset the hauliers around here too, lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainSensible Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 No tips from me, but have a great trip mate and catch you in the new year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sasha@lazytrips Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Having just done a trip down to Bavaria, my main suggestion is go find some very decent screenwash. Almost all available in the UK freezes at -5 or higher which is not good when gunning along a motorway, getting splashed and your windscreen freezing when you put the wipers on. That was far and away my biggest problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankeesiter Posted December 21, 2010 Share Posted December 21, 2010 Put 2 high viz jackets in the car preferably prominently displayed or the French police will do you for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 Having just done a trip down to Bavaria, my main suggestion is go find some very decent screenwash. Almost all available in the UK freezes at -5 or higher which is not good when gunning along a motorway, getting splashed and your windscreen freezing when you put the wipers on. That was far and away my biggest problem. That there is some sound advice, driving through Germany a few weeks back this was a major problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pimm Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 Have a safe and good time Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNABASHED Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 couple of empty pepsi bottles for when you inevitably get caught in traffic just as you need the toilet, of course you will need to pack a funnel if the missus is going with you (handy tip, if you forget the funnel you can fashion one out of the extra bottle!). Your welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 She-Wee for the missus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 Keep some cash on you... The Gendarmerie will fine you for speeding on teh spot. If you want to avoid being frog marched to a cash point, wasting time and cash point costs... keep plenty of euros on you (hidden, obviously) Have fun! Or just don't speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff-r Posted December 22, 2010 Share Posted December 22, 2010 Keep some cash on you... The Gendarmerie will fine you for speeding on teh spot. If you want to avoid being frog marched to a cash point, wasting time and cash point costs... keep plenty of euros on you (hidden, obviously) Have fun! Or just don't speed Easier said than done, it's not like you have to rag the nuts off the 350 to get it over the speed limit without noticing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.