Forums39
Topics38,698
Posts312,842
Members26,572
|
Most Online2,218 Jan 21st, 2020
|
|
42 registered members (GaryB, jrw, JeanneB, MrEZgoin, George1234, ndfaninnc, VirginGordaResident, RickG, alecu7, knitsoftwear, Buddyhog, PML, Todd, NumberCruncher, MKGrey, Brad_Va, RebeccaTN, ColoBoater, jazzgal, RickinAtlanta, lcote, Kegoangoango, Kennys, NoelHall, jaxon60, Compskier, GeorgeC1, richard4th, xrayman67, 13 invisible),
1,276
guests, and 109
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: Ted_n_Jan]
#73291
11/07/2015 04:57 PM
11/07/2015 04:57 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
Ted-Jan,
Just a thought, but there was recently an article in the paper about the murder of a young woman on the French side of the island.
Do you think the four gendarmes might be looking for someone specific as opposed to just random motor vehicle infractions and doing the random stops as a means to an end? I go a little crazy when people speculate idly so I really shouldn't be doing it myself but I'm thinking it is a possibility? No?
On another note, being stopped in one of these shouldn't be a big deal to any of us, particularly if they take one person off the road that shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car.
An with regard to the other part of your comment, I don't pretend to know the logic or politics of what they do on the island or why, and as a visitor, I really don't feel it's my place to comment one way or the other.
Often on the Dutch side the police will run controls looking for all kinds of things not just inebriated drivers or those not wearing their seat belts or chatting on their cell phones. Just sayin'........
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: Ted_n_Jan]
#73293
11/07/2015 06:24 PM
11/07/2015 06:24 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
Hey, Ted,
Feel free to opine all you want. I'm not saying anyone else should or shouldn't but I am saying I try not to judge the island. We, too, have seen many changes - some good, some not so good and lots of places we no longer bother to go, also. To each his own....... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: Chuck_Morton]
#73297
11/08/2015 03:56 PM
11/08/2015 03:56 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313 Vancouver, WA
Todd
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,313
Vancouver, WA
|
I decided to edit my post, as I have not personally been in one of the traffic stops. If what I hear from these stops is true that if you pay you get to drive off, then I question the reason behind these stops. I would also question how the resources are used and if I had a vote, which I certainly do not, I would want them to do more patrol in areas like Marigot near the marina. I have heard the stories of these stops, many such as from Soc that I tend to believe but again personally I have not dealt with them.
We used to love going to Marina Royale, one of our favorite places. No more. In fact, other than Dreams, we find that we go to the French side less and less. I think we will try to go to the French side a bit more this year but we make a lot of plans that never happen so we will see. I guess I do have a vote, and it is based on how and where I spend my money.
T
Last edited by Todd; 11/08/2015 07:42 PM.
I prefer the Isle seat
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: annS]
#73303
11/09/2015 07:12 AM
11/09/2015 07:12 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,985 Connecticut
The_Lurker
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,985
Connecticut
|
annS said: You sound like us. We go to Italy a couple times a year for 3-4 weeks. When we get home and hit our bed I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. there is no place like home. Love Italy!! when we are not here, in the Fall, that is where we are.
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: The_Lurker]
#73304
11/09/2015 07:25 AM
11/09/2015 07:25 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088 Massachusetts
boucharda
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,088
Massachusetts
|
They run the same kind of stops at home--trying to get people to use seat belts and not use cell phones. That would be similar if they let your drive away without your belt on while talking on your phone...it's not the offense. The offense is real 'cuz one shouldn't drink and drive. It's the non-enforcement and seemingly non-importance of it after being fined. More of a game of "Gotcha" rather than a concern for safety
Last edited by boucharda; 11/09/2015 07:26 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: minnesnowta2]
#73305
11/09/2015 01:01 PM
11/09/2015 01:01 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081 Clearwater, FL
Biturbo
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
|
We never drive without wearing our seatbelts. We never talk on the phone nor text while driving. Not at home, on the island or anywhere. But, I don't associate having a glass of wine or two with dinner with DUI. However, that is something we have to accept and work around. We still prefer the vibe of the French side.
I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: Biturbo]
#73306
11/09/2015 01:37 PM
11/09/2015 01:37 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763 Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763
Chicago area & St-Martin
|
Couldn't agree more with you.
Whenever someone on this board reports a crime, the thread inevitably turns to 'Where is the police presence.' I believe these random stops are to check seat belt usage, weed out those who drink and drive, and check for those who are in the country illegally among other things.
The Gendarmes are enforcing the laws of their country, one that we are only guests.
--ChiTownHarry
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: harmonytravelers]
#73309
11/09/2015 07:50 PM
11/09/2015 07:50 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
|
harmonytravelers said: I also agree that we should all respect the laws of the country. No question. But if the Gendarmes fine you 100 euro, collect it on the spot and send you on your way, they are not enforcing the laws of their country. They are simply making 100 euro. They ARE enforcing the laws of their country. How hard is it to understand that if you don't drink and drive, don't talk on a cell phone, use your headlights, and a seatbelt....that you won't have a problem?! It is their custom to collect cash on the spot. http://www.anglophone-direct.com/Driving-in-France"Driving offences and points Remember that if you are stopped in France for a driving offence, you can receive an on-the-spot fine. If this happens to you, do insist on an official receipt from the officer collecting the fine. Always carry with you your driving license, insurance documents, and ‘carte grise’ (vehicle registration). If you are unable to provide these documents, particularly your driving licence, or your vehicle is not in order, residents will receive a fine (‘une amende’ or ‘un avis de contravention’) and will be given up to five days to present their papers at the police station and pay the fine. Non residents however, are likely to receive an on-the –spot fine (une consignation) and have their vehicle impounded if they are unable to pay. A friendly policeman may accompany you to a bank or cash point to allow you to withdraw cash!"
"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest"
|
|
|
Re: Gendarme Random Traffic Stops
[Re: BeachKitten]
#73310
11/09/2015 08:33 PM
11/09/2015 08:33 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
|
We all can have opinions and viewpoints, but it would seem the last two posters have cited the realities, complete with chapter and verse.
Is it time to put this one to bed yet? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
|