France's confusing speed limit signs a fine mess

In France we seem to be heading for an anarchistic situation with regard to speed limits.

On top of the previously familiar speed limits, a sparse crop of signs enforcing an 80kph limit – which is now the national standard – in defiance of the numerous 90kph signs we are told to disregard in favour of the new, albeit effectively virtual 80kph.

Now, however, local variations have been allowed at the discretion of local authorities. Driving from Macon to Dijon, I encountered 30, 50, 70, 90, 110 and 130kph signs – not a single 80.

The only option was to assume that off autoroute the speed limit is 80 or less since, regardless of the indication, we are told the 80kph limit will be legally enforced. Our GPS may help but is far from infallible.

It is a gift for those collecting speeding fines.

Richard Chandless, Crêches-sur-Saône