The next three weekends are expected to be particularly busy on the motorways, with heavy traffic and congestion likely as holidaymakers head towards their destinations.
The Automobile Club of Luxembourg (ACL) therefore recommends setting off either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon. In addition to conventional tolls and the motorway pass (known as "vignette") required in some countries, motorists may also need special environmental permits, such as France's Crit'Air sticker or Germany's emissions sticker.
Frank Maas, head of the Mobility Solutions Department at ACL, warned that the rules in Belgium can be particularly confusing, as many motorists are unaware that they must register their vehicle in advance. Registration is free, but number plates are checked in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp, he said. "Anyone who has not registered risks receiving a fine", he explained.
Drivers should also exercise caution in Italy. In many cities, vehicles without special authorisation are prohibited from entering so-called Limited Traffic Zones, known as Zone a Traffico Limitato or ZTL. Motorists who overlook the signs risk a substantial fine.
Maas stressed that private and rental cars must not enter these zones unless they have the necessary authorisation, as access is generally restricted to residents and permit holders. "Otherwise, it can cost between €100 and €300", he warned.
To improve safety before travelling, the ACL is once again offering its holiday vehicle check this year. During the approximately 50-minute inspection, components including the lights, tyres, and engine are examined to identify potential defects at an early stage.
ACL also advises motorists to begin their journey well rested, drink enough water, and avoid food that is excessively fatty or sugary. These precautions can help drivers remain alert during long journeys.
Drivers heading towards France should prepare for some congestion. Traffic may already begin to slow on the main transit route between Thionville and Metz, although conditions usually improve again as far as Beaune.
At Beaune, traffic from the Paris motorway merges with vehicles arriving from Mulhouse, regularly causing lengthy queues. Heavy traffic is also expected around Lyon.
Another major bottleneck is near Orange, where the motorway divides, with one route continuing towards Spain and the other towards the Côte d'Azur. Significant delays are common there, particularly at the beginning of the summer holiday period.
Patience will also be required in Germany. Roads towards Munich are expected to be busy this weekend and over the following weekends.
As an alternative, the ACL recommends the slightly longer route along the A6 via Heilbronn and Nuremberg, where traffic generally flows more smoothly.
Those travelling towards northern Germany should encounter relatively few problems as far as Cologne. Beyond that point, however, traffic tends to slow considerably, particularly in the Ruhr region.
Belgium will not escape traffic disruption either. Roadworks near Habay have reduced traffic to a single lane. Delays of up to 40 minutes have already been recorded during the week, and waiting times could be considerably longer at the weekend.
Heavy holiday traffic is also expected around Brussels and along the route through Ghent and Bruges.
