A13 Motorway: Everything You Need to Know About Electronic Tolling

The A13 Motorway, the Paris-Normandy Route

Operated by the Sanef Group, the route connecting Paris to Normandy is now one of the busiest thoroughfares in the region. Regular upgrades and maintenance works are carried out to ensure that motorists travel in the best possible conditions. To further enhance the driving experience and ease traffic flow, Sanef Group, has decided to convert this motorway to free-flow operation from 2024, in partnership with Bip&Go.

The A13 Motorway, a Major Route Linking Paris and Normandy

Built in 1940, this western motorway crosses two regions: Île-de-France (Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Yvelines) and Normandy (Eure, Calvados, Seine-Maritime). It allows residents of the Paris area to easily reach Mantes-la-Jolie, Caen, Rouen, Pont-l’Évêque and Deauville. The route is dotted with rest areas where drivers can relax along its 223 kilometres, such as Beauchêne-Sud.

This historic route includes the Saint-Cloud tunnel and connects to other major motorways, such as the A29 heading north (Le Havre, Honfleur) and the A28 towards Le Mans. Sanef Group is committed to modernising the A13 in 2024 to improve traffic flow and reduce driver stress.

What Is the Plan for Transforming the A13 Motorway Beginning in 2024?

In recent years, new technologies have emerged across Europe to improve the motorway experience for drivers. The most effective and innovative solution is the introduction of free-flow motorways. First trialled in Norway, this system has proven its worth and is now being rolled out on French roads. From December 2024, upgrade works will begin on the A13 to switch to free-flow traffic.

All You Need to Know About the Switch to Free-Flow Motorways

Never heard of a free-flow motorway? This innovation allows drivers to use the expressway without stopping at toll booths to collect a ticket or pay. The aim? To reduce queues and the risk of minor collisions.

To implement this system, all toll booths on the A13 will be removed to streamline traffic. Sanef Group plans to install 12 metal gantries to detect vehicles, particularly at the Incarville interchange, Buchelay site, and Quetteville junction.

How Does a Free-Flow Toll Motorway Work?

On a free-flow motorway, drivers do not need to stop to pay their toll. Everything is handled automatically via the gantries mentioned above. These are equipped with sensors, cameras, and antennas to collect the necessary information for billing.

First, the sensor identifies the vehicle category as it passes, to determine the correct toll rate. French motorway prices differ for cars and heavy goods vehicles, for example. Next, an antenna detects the electronic toll badge of registered customers, so payment is automatically added to their badge invoice. For non-registered users, a camera photographs their number plate in real time. They then have 72 hours to pay for their journey in full via sanef.com or at a NIRIO retailer.

Free-Flow Motorways: A Solution That Benefits Everyone!

The adoption of free-flow motorways is increasing across Europe because it offers many advantages for drivers and helps reduce the environmental impact of road travel.

A13 Free-Flow Motorway: Benefits for Drivers

Introducing free-flow tolling brings several key benefits for motorists: 
Significant time savings (1.7 million hours saved annually): drivers no longer need to stop and queue at toll booths. 
A simpler process: motorists don’t have to search for their ticket and can pay for the entire journey in one go, rather than at each toll point as on traditional motorways. 
Reduced risk: toll booths are often a source of stress (lane changes, the need to act quickly, watching out for other vehicles at the exit). 
A more pleasant journey: free-flow motorways are designed to reduce congestion and provide a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Switching to Free-Flow?

Free-flow motorways are also an eco-friendly innovation. They help to: 
Reduce fuel consumption (9.5 million litres saved on the A13/A14 motorways), 
Save energy (equivalent to the consumption of a town of 1,500 people), 
Lower CO2 emissions, 
Return land to nature by removing toll barriers.

A Transformation Project Led by Sanef Group and Bip&Go

A leading player in the French mobility sector, Bip&Go is proud to work alongside Sanef Group to transform the Paris-Normandy route into a next-generation motorway. Their goal? To provide motorists with safer and more environmentally friendly journeys. Attentive to the needs of both private and business customers, Bip&Go already supports over 2 million clients with high-quality, ever-improving services.

Interested in getting an electronic toll badge? Take advantage of Bip&Go technology and drive with peace of mind on France’s free-flow motorways.

Discover the Bip&Go plans!

FAQ

What are the lesser-known benefits of electronic tolling on the A13 with Bip&Go?

Approaching a traditional toll on the motorway? In most cases, you can use a dedicated lane thanks to your Bip&Go electronic toll badge.

How can you optimise your journeys on the A13 motorway with Bip&Go?

To optimise your journeys, choose the Bip&Go subscription plan that best matches your needs and how often you use the motorway.

What Is the environmental impact of smoother traffic on the A13 with Bip&Go?

Smoother traffic on the A13 helps reduce CO2 emissions and preserves our fuel and energy resources.