French visitors urged to learn safety rules

British people planning ferry trips to France have been urged to brush up on their knowledge of foreign road laws before setting off.

Shortly after it became law for all cars in France to carry a high-visibility safety vest, P&O Ferries surveyed its passengers and found that the majority were not in compliance with the legislation.

The company found that 56 per cent of drivers on its Dover to Calais ferries did not have a high-visibility vest in their car.

P&O Ferries spokesman Brian Rees said that the message hadn't got through to British visitors.

He added: "It's cheap and easy to comply, so it is crazy not to stay on the right side of the law with this one. It makes safety sense anyway."

The ferry operator, which carries more than one million cars to France every year, had some other tips for motorists, including a warning that the minimum driving age in the European nation is 18.

Drivers were also advised always to drive at a maximum of 50km/h in villages and to be aware that, contrary to its meaning in England, a flash of the headlights in France signifies that a driver plans to come forward.

Dover - Calais

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

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03/06/2012 - 03/06/2012

£13

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11/06/2012 - 11/06/2012

£19

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Dover - Calais

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16/06/2012 - 16/06/2012

£19

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