Bip&Go – Free-Flow Tolling: A Revolution for Motorists

Free-Flow Tolling: How Does It Work and What Does It Mean for Motorists?

No more stopping at toll barriers or waiting in endless queues! Free-flow tolling is transforming French motorways, allowing vehicles to travel without interruption. But how does free-flow tolling work? What are its advantages, and how can you pay for your journey without risking a fine? Discover everything you need to know about this technology, where it’s available in France, and why the Bip&Go badge is the ideal solution.

What Is Free-Flow Tolling?

Free-flow tolling is an innovative system also known as barrier-free tolling. It’s a barrierless toll system that makes traffic smoother and reduces congestion.

How does it work? Traditional toll areas are replaced by gantries equipped with smart sensors and cameras that detect every vehicle passing through. 
In a conventional toll system, drivers must stop to pay. A free-flow system automatically records your details and charges the correct amount. 
The aims are simple: to eliminate unnecessary stops, optimise traffic flow, and reduce the pollution caused by frequent stopping and starting. The 
free-flow system is being rolled out on future motorways. 
 

Currently, the free-flow system is in operation on several routes in France:

The Paris-Normandy corridor managed by the Sanef group: on the A13 motorway and the A14 motorway.

The A79 motorway: the first French section designed entirely for free-flow tolling.

By 2040, many more motorways are expected to adopt this technology to keep traffic moving smoothly.

How Does Barrier-Free Tolling Work?

Smart gantries equipped with sensors and cameras replace traditional toll areas and barriers. These gantries use advanced technology to:

• Identify the type of vehicle (car, HGV, motorbike, etc.) with sensors. 
• Photograph number plates with cameras. 
• Detect toll badges using RFID antennas. 
• Register vehicles for billing by toll badge or number plate.

Vehicles passing under a gantry are identified either by their toll badge, if present, or by their number plate by default.

How Do You Pay for a Free-Flow Journey?

There are several ways to pay your motorway toll:

• The Bip&Go badge: the simplest solution. As a subscriber, you don’t have to worry about a thing! 
• Online payment: within 72 hours. 
• At a partner newsagent (NIRIO). 
• By bank card: via certain apps or dedicated payment terminals.

What Are the Benefits of Free-Flow Tolling?

Free-flow tolling offers motorists a host of benefits, including:

1. Smoother traffic flow. 
No more queues at tolls – vehicles move freely on major motorways. Free-flow tolling reduces congestion and optimises journey times.

2. A safer, more pleasant drive. 
Free-flow tolling offers a more serene driving experience. Entering and exiting the motorway is quicker and easier. It also improves road safety by eliminating sudden lane changes and harsh braking.

3. A positive environmental impact. 
Fewer stops mean lower fuel consumption. Plus, removing physical toll infrastructure returns hectares of land to nature.

Why Use Bip&Go to Pay Free-Flow Tolls?

The main drawback of free-flow tolling is how easy it is to forget to pay. If you don’t pay within 72 hours, you’ll receive a fine!

The Bip&Go toll badge removes all the hassle. There’s nothing for you to do – your passage is detected and the amount is automatically debited from your monthly toll bill, so there’s no risk of forgetting or being fined.

It’s a simple solution for all types of toll and is perfect for travel in France and across Europe. 
It works on barrier-free motorways like the A13, A14 and A79, and is also compatible with tolls in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. 
You can even use it in over 1,000 car parks equipped for toll badge access.See Park with a toll badge | Bip&Go.

With the Bip&Go app, you can:

• Manage your invoices and journeys in one click. 
• Calculate your toll costs before you set off. 
• Find motorway service areas and electric vehicle charging stations along your route.

Free-flow tolling improves traffic flow, makes payment easier, and has a positive environmental impact. For hassle-free travel, choose the Bip&Go badge and enjoy a 100% automatic service! 
Choose Bip&Go and drive with peace of mind!

Driving electric? Access charging points at motorway service areas. See Toll Badge Subscription for Electric Cars | Bip&Go Electric Vehicles.