What the new red lines on these french motorways mean

DRIVERS WHO FAIL TO FOLLOW RULES RELATING TO THE MARKING FACE A €135 FINE Major French motorways have seen the addition of red lines along their tarmac in an attempt to keep drivers alert to

the risk of danger when overtaking. The lines – which serve much the same function as traditional uninterrupted white lines on French roads – are being employed to improve safety.  The

markings have been successfully trialled in Spain, and are expected to be widely rolled out in Europe, and potentially the US (where they would replace yellow lines). As compared to the

traditional continuous white lines used on roads to forbid overtaking (as opposed to a broken white line, where overtaking can take place) these are designed to be easier for drivers to

spot. A four-kilometre stretch of the A7 motorway near Lyon is the first in France to employ these red lines, and a section of the A10 near Bordeaux has also implemented such a line. Road

safety authorities will evaluate their impact on the number of accidents and traffic fluidity. If successful, they may appear along more sections and motorways across France in the near

future. FINE FOR FAILING TO FOLLOW RULES The new lines are being deployed in places where motorists need to take extra care, for example, where visibility is reduced due to tight bends in

the road. They are notably being used "in specific areas where the risk of accidents is particularly high, such as approaching motorway exits, where motorists tend to brake suddenly,

and in construction zones where traffic is disrupted",  according to French motoring news site and insurance brokers media.roole.fr. It adds: "This red line can also appear in

complex intersection zones, such as motorway junctions, where errors of judgement by drivers are common." By using the colour red, drivers are said to be more aware of the lines and

less likely to drive across them as compared to the use of white. In addition, due to the general association for drivers between the colour red and danger, the aim is to encourage drivers

to lower their speed and take safer options while driving along these sections.  This is thought to be part of France's general strategy to reduce road deaths, which totalled 3,167 in

the mainland and Corsica last year. Drivers in France who are caught overtaking across these red lines will face a fine of €135, and the loss of three points from their licence.  In Spain,

the fine is €200, and whilst points are not taken from a driver’s licence for such an offence, the licence can be confiscated for up to three months.  Read more: French speed cameras set to

detect more types of offences