Scams, rule-breaks, repairs: 5 practical updates in france

WE RECAP PRACTICAL ARTICLES FROM LAST WEEK, INCLUDING INCREASES TO RURAL POLICING, INCREASED POWER FOR RADARS, AND THE NEW COVID BOOSTER DRIVE RADARS CAN NOW CHECK FOR MORE DRIVING OFFENCES

Radar cameras – if powerful enough – can now pass on information regarding a host of driving offences, allowing officials to issue fines. There are now 15 infractions which radars are

permitted to measure, ranging from driving offences (such as illegally crossing lanes in carriageways, driving through red lights) to motorcyclists not wearing helmets. Radar cameras do not

currently have the technology to measure whether drivers are breaking all of these rules. However more powerful radar cameras may soon be implemented after successful trials in the UK have

seemingly convinced French officials of their usefulness. READ MORE: LIST: RADARS IN FRANCE CAN NOW FINE DRIVERS FOR MORE OFFENCES MORE VEHICLE SCAMS OF WHICH TO BE AWARE Drivers have been

warned of two new scams increasing seen in recent weeks in France. The first is a classic ‘phishing’ scam, with scammers sending fake emails and texts about Crit’Air stickers with links to a

fake website asking victims to enter personal information. The messages incorrectly report that drivers need to update their Crit’Air sticker using the link. The second is taking place at

petrol stations, where fraudsters are pretending their cars are out of petrol nearby, and asking kind-hearted strangers if they can also fill up a small can with a couple of litres to drive

their car to the petrol stations. They then take control of the pump by force and fill up huge jerrycans, leaving victims out of pocket. READ MORE: CRIT’AIR CAR STICKER SCAMS MULTIPLY IN

FRANCE READ MORE: DRIVERS TELL HOW THEY FELL VICTIM TO FUEL STATION SCAMMERS IN FRANCE FRANCE’S COVID BOOSTER CAMPAIGN HAS BEGUN Monday October 2 saw the launch of the winter Covid booster

campaign. Those classed as vulnerable are being encouraged to get a booster vaccine against the virus. However although vulnerable groups have ‘priority’ in getting appointments, anyone

eligible can have the booster. It will be free for those who have Social Security coverage (_Assurance Maladie_). Appointments can be made at a number of health centres including doctors’

surgeries and pharmacies. Our article also reviews the recent Covid trends as the virus looks set to make a partial winter comeback. READ MORE: FRANCE’S COVID BOOSTER CAMPAIGN BEGINS: WHAT

IS VIRUS SITUATION NOW? HUNDREDS OF NEW GENDARMERIE UNITS ACROSS FRANCE President Emmanual Macron announced the creation of over 200 gendarmerie brigades across France. It means thousands of

new police officers will be deployed in rural areas of France as part of measures to increase security. Almost every department (excepting some heavily urbanised departments within the

Île-de-France region) will see at least one new unit. Many of the units will also be mobile meaning they can cover large areas of a department. READ MORE: MAP: DISCOVER WHERE THE 238 NEW

GENDARME BASES WILL BE IN RURAL FRANCE REPAIR BONUS SCHEME EXTENDED TO SMARTPHONES The _bonus réparation_ scheme which offers discounts on repairing electrical items is being expanded to

cover smartphones. Alongside this, the discount on the current eligible products, for example laptops, is being increased. Certain participating retailers which have the

'QualiRépar' certificate will automatically apply the government discount to your final bill when you take an eligible item in for repair. Smartphones will be eligible for the

service from January 2024. The scheme has been in place since December 2022, but despite over €60 million being ring-fenced for repairs, only around €500,000 has currently been applied. READ

MORE: HOW TO GET FINANCIAL HELP TO REPAIR A SMARTPHONE IN FRANCE