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I was stopped at Boulogne, many years back doing a beer run with one of my mates, we had just come of the ferry, and was stopped for going through a Red light, we hadn't and my friend who was also watching the road confirmed that we had not gone through a Red light.

First thing we did wrong in the above, was to question the French Police officers observations, as that of course is the same as calling him a lier.

I was taken to the nearest cash machine, to get cash out for the fine and then to the Police station, where they then checked all my documents, and they gave me a receipt for the €120 fine that I was forced to pay. from what I recall if I did not pay they were going to keep my car untill I did.

The Police Officer then told me, that had I admmited to commiting the offence in the first instance, then the fine would have only been €30.

Got to say that I learned a lot from that experience with the French Police.

I do know people* who have been stopped by the French Customs - Douanes. They set up road blocks near to Bray Dunes. This is because tobacco prices are rising in France and the prices are much lower in Belguim.

* The best part was that it was obvious that they were non-smokers. They had a fair bit of baccy with them but because they were Brits and obviously on their way to the Ferry they got away with it. Scared the living bejeebus out of them though