For the last weekend of the school holidays and first weekend of the year, traffic is expected to be heavy on the motorways of the VINCI Autoroutes network, starting Thursday January 2, 2025.
This weekend marking the end of the holidays, traffic will be very heavy in both directions every afternoon from Thursday January 2 and until Monday January 6, 2025 on the A7 in the Rhône valley, on the A9 motorway, between Montpellier and Nîmes and around the towns of Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Nice and Toulon.
The reinforced traffic information system is maintained to allow everyone to be well informed about traffic conditions, thanks to Radio VINCI Autoroutes (107.7), the VINCI Autoroutes website and social networks.
Likewise, VINCI Autoroutes is renewing its Blue Vest system at the end of the year: electric crew members will be present at 66 areas of the network to welcome fans or novices of electric mobility during their break: information, management of flow at the terminals, help with recharging…Finally, with the climate and winter temperatures, preparation for the trip and regular breaks are recommended. As such, activities are set up in service areas of the network.
On the A9, between Nimes and Montpellier, traffic will increase on Thursday January 2 from 11 a.m. In the direction of returns, the highest traffic is expected in this sector on Sunday January 5, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Driving reflexes on the holiday route in winter:
While the winter viability system is activated on the VINCI Autoroutes network, it can only be fully effective if drivers become aware of the specificities of driving in winter and adopt four fundamental principles in their driving behavior: anticipation, suitable vehicle equipment, caution and compliance with the highway code. VINCI Autoroutes therefore recommends that motorists inform themselves well before hitting the road, while adopting some good practices during their trip.
Check the proper functioning of your vehicle's equipment: windshield wipers, tire condition and pressure, lighting devices, cleanliness of the windshield and exterior mirrors, etc.
• Find out before hitting the road, not only about traffic conditions, but also about Météo France forecasts.
• Extend your safety distances and adapt your speed, particularly in rainy and foggy weather.
• Stop regularly and at the first signs of fatigue in order to regain your alertness and attention.
• Respect the safety corridor, a rule of the highway code which requires you to move away when approaching a stationary intervention vehicle. This rule aims to strengthen the protection and safety of personnel working with drivers in distress.
Provide special equipment such as snow tires, now compulsory from November 1st
2024 to March 31, 2025 in many sectors located in mountainous areas.
Furthermore, drivers must not overtake salting or snow removal machines when they are in action (blue flashing light on): a single vehicle crossing can permanently block traffic.
