Reinventing the role of tobacconists #
The latest innovation in this regard is the introduction of toll payment services at tobacco shops. Philippe Coy, the president of the confederation of tobacconists, made this announcement in a recent interview with Ouest-France.
This new service is seen as a silver lining for tobacconists who witnessed an 8% dip in tobacco sales in 2023. Besides selling fiscal stamps and facilitating the payment of fines, tobacconists will now also handle toll payments for certain highways.
Toll payment made easy #
The French motorway concession company (Sanef), responsible for managing the tolls in the Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Normandy regions, is behind this initiative. Initially, the service will be launched on the Paris-Normandy route, specifically on the A13/A14, where drivers will enjoy « free flow » traffic.
Toll booths will be replaced by portals that allow drivers to pay their dues at a later time. Two payment options will be available – online registration on the Sanef website or payment at a nearby tobacconist who is part of the Nirio network.
A boon for tobacconists and motorists alike #
Motorists can simply provide their license plate number at a Nirio network tobacconist, who will be equipped with a terminal and a payment service for this purpose. According to Ouest-France, 10,000 tobacconists are already equipped with this facility. The A14 will be equipped with this system in June, and the A13 in December. Be aware, delayed payments could result in a fine of up to 375 euros.
This innovative service promises to be a win-win for both tobacconists and motorists, offering the former an additional revenue stream and the latter a convenient way to pay their tolls.
- A new role for tobacconists – facilitating toll payments
- Initiative by Sanef, starting with the Paris-Normandy route
- Two payment options – online or at a tobacconist in the Nirio network
- A potential fine of up to 375 euros for delayed payments
| 🔄 Reinventing tobacconists’ role | Tobacconists to facilitate toll payments, adding to their services of selling fiscal stamps and facilitating the payment of fines |
| 🚗 Ease for motorists | Motorists can pay their tolls either online or at a Nirio network tobacconist |
| 💰 Penalty for late payments | Delayed payments could lead to a fine of up to 375 euros |
FAQ:
- What new service will tobacconists be offering?They will be facilitating the payment of tolls for certain highways.
- Who is initiating this service?The French motorway concession company, Sanef.
- How can I pay my tolls?You can either register online on the Sanef website or pay at a Nirio network tobacconist.
- What happens if I delay my toll payment?You could be fined up to 375 euros.
- When will this service be available?The service will be launched on the A14 in June and on the A13 in December.
