VR2

Car sharing lane opens on A48 motorway!

Grupa APRR

The VR2+ car sharing lane developed by AREA (APRR Group) opens on the A48 at the entrance to Grenoble on 30 September 2020. This is the very first dedicated lane identified by a new car sharing sign: a white diamond on a black background.

Located on the Lyon to Grenoble section of the A48, the dedicated lane runs from the Voreppe toll station to the A48/N481 intersection. It follows the left-hand lane for 8 km. The dedicated lane is activated when the traffic builds up and speed is significantly reduced. A white diamond is then displayed on illuminated signs over the left-hand lane, which is then reserved for car shares only at a maximum permitted speed of 50 km/h, as for all the other lanes.
 
When activated, the dedicated VR2+ lane is open to:
• all light vehicles with two or more people on board*
• taxis (even without a customer)
• vehicles with a Crit’Air zero emissions sticker (100% electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles), even with just one person.
 * in line with current health regulations on the date when the lane opens.
 
Reducing solo driving by promoting car sharing is one of the commitments made by the APRR Group to supporting the energy transition, countering climate disruption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 
The APRR Group has been building free car sharing car parks for a number of years now, mainly in partnership with local authorities. Over 4,500 spaces are now available close to the APRR and AREA networks. The special new car sharing lane is another step towards encouraging the uptake of new mobility options.
 
Information has been made available, particularly at www.area-covoiturage.com, raising awareness and explaining how the car sharing lane works. To assist drivers in using the new lane correctly, a second illuminated sign tells them whether they are permitted to use it or not, using an automatic system developed by Pryntec for counting the number of occupants in a vehicle.
 
AREA does not have any enforcement role. Car sharing lanes are now included in the Code de la route (French Highway Code) Checks are made by law enforcement agencies, who have sole authority to fine offenders up to €135 (or €90 for instant payment).