Red alert for holiday traffic

DRIVERS are being warned to expect heavy traffic on the French motorway network this weekend, and have been advised to avoid travelling on Saturday if at all possible.

The fourth weekend of the French school holidays coincides with the start of the British summer break, when thousands of holidaymakers are expected to cross the Channel for a stay in France.

There is an "orange" alert in place from road watchdog Bison Futé for Friday, meaning up to 350km of jams are expected, especially in the Rhône valley - the main axe down to the Mediterranean. Other traffic hotspots will include the A13 in Normandy and the A10 near Orléans.

The situation will worsen on Saturday, with a "red" alert in place nationwide and up to 500km of slow traffic likely in the south and west.

Sunday is the best day to travel, with no major problems forecast.