UK holiday makers warned about the vagaries of French petrol stations
While many French petrol stations provide out-of-hours services, allowing customers to use their credit cards to make payments, British travellers are finding that their cards are being refused - leaving them unable to refuel.
With many petrol stations closed on Sundays and for a lunch between 12:00 CET and 14:00 CET, the issue has vexed many British travellers.
The problem has turned out to be widespread, with evidence of individuals arriving at petrol stations near Cherbourg ferry terminal and being unable to refuel. Brittany Ferries said that there is no other station near the port.
The French Tourist Office told the website that it was aware of the issue, and said that machines at unmanned petrol stations were being upgraded to accept international credit cards.
However, the office added that re-installation could take years, as the procedure will not come cheap to France's petrol firms. Until then, British drivers are warned to fill up at the pump in the day time to avoid being caught out when pumps close.
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02.08.2006.