Driving to Calais

Pesonally with two drivers I'd blitz it in one hit taking turns. 

The less contact with anybody the better and in any case open or not you'll likely be as welcome as a fart in lift at French hotels!

HI BRIAN

Why on earth are you here! if you are not a resident you should of gone back weeks ago. So now you are going to drive and stop for Petrol etc in 2 of the worst countries in the world for CORONA VIRUS. And then break the law in the the UK.

If you have a bloody good reason fine but enjoy explaining that at least half a dozen times In Spain and France, the good news is the Police in the Uk do not seem to control the issue like France and Spain, so they will not bother you too much.

Hi Graham

The Uk government I believe put flights on to get Uk citizens home from where they were and told everyone to come home from where ever they are so with a car it would of been a lot easier 3-4 weeks ago, than it will be today. I am not saying he ignored the advice i am saying HE WILL BE STOPPED by our or the French Police and of course he driving through 2 of the worst effected countries in the world. you pays your money you pay the price so to speak. The Uk will probably not welcome anyone crossing there borders at this time. You only have to look at Flights Gatwick almost shut and Heathrow flights in are down to a few every not one every 30 seconds.

Only one occupant per vehicle now permitted. Don't risk the fines/arrests. Stay put. Alexandre.

Thks all

   Brian

Hi Brian,

Not sure if you've decided to stay or go ? however if you decide to go there isn't an issue driving to your place of residence. (UK)  Although a long drive is now the only way to do it. Friends have just arrived in Sweden having left here last week. From their experience they did not get challenged once in Spain and reported the roads were very quiet. (Lorries only) At the border they had a conversation with the guards and explained their intention. Allowed exit from Spain and access to France, no problem, and advised by the guards of the best way to travel. Most petrol stations are open (toll roads) and serving drinks and food and toilets open. France was very busy with general road traffic and they advised stopping at 4 - 5pm each day to get a parking space at the service areas, alternatively choose a hotel to stay and call in advance, they are mostly open and will willingly accept visitors on a call basis. Download daily travel authority from french government web site with details and purpose of visit. (Although they were not challenged for this) You can handwrite this information on the form. 

It isn't something to be recommended however it is possible. The original post of doing one big drive is probably the best option or advance book a realistic stopover somewhere over the French border.  (Spanish hotels are closed) Good luck.

Surprised your acquaintances say no stops by guards in Spain. I was stopped and questioned - NIE, Driving Licence, boot opened - twice this morning on the way to and from ALDI in El Campello and I only live on the outskirts, at Cala Piteris. I would definitely recommend that Brian goes to the local guards station first. Just a thought. Alexandre.

Hi,  

Yes i think locally there are a lot of checks, its the same in my area, however once on the highway (AP7) I don't think there are any as there are no vehicles on there apart from lorries or foreigners travelling home. Of course if you have a foreign number plate and heading North there probably wouldn't be any reason. 

Regards Rob 

Cheers Rob. Stay safe. Al.