So, I have next week off work and I'm looking to spend some time in France. I have a quick question though- I've recently received the new type V5C from DVLA and I've kept the previous one to one side(even though DVLA state that it should be destroyed). Can I leave the new (red) V5C safely at home and just take the old (blue) V5C to France? There is some reasoning behind my query, that being if the document was stolen in France then I have the new (official) one safely stashed away back home in Blighty. If that makes sense

Living here in France, being stopped by the gendarmes is a regular, routine occurence. I would have thought that most gendames wouldn't be aware that a new style log book exists for a UK vehicle. Although, there is a rumour going around amongst the Brits here (a regular rumour) that the authorities are cracking down on checking UK vehicles as a number of Brits who reside here are flouting the rules regarding vehicle registration. Once stopped by the gendarmes EVERYTHING has to be correct (if not, the gendarmes in this area will issue an on the spot fine, if no funds they will escourt you to an ATM or take your passport and driver's licence until you return with the payment!!) Personally I'd take the new reg. document
Hope this helps.

Ah, okay. Thanks for reply.

I know that bit! That's the turning for Stock Green - I used to visit friends there some years ago
Some good roads there - I preferred to go that way on our night shift routes, instead of the M40/M42/M5 (Coventry to Hindlip)

Been looking at ferry crossings to France and I can't quite decide which crossing to take.

A 220mile drive to Dover via the M25 in about 3hrs 40mins and either P&O to Calais for £50 return, or DFDS to Dunkerque for £40 return. Alternatively, I can drive 140miles to Portsmouth in about 2hrs 30mins and take an overnight crossing with LD to Le Havre for £77 return.

I'm kind of leaning towards Portsmouth-Le Havre but given how rough the crossing was to Shetland in September and how my stomach protested, I'm a little unsure if I should risk that route.

Don't be fooled by the 'sleeper' seats on the Pompey boat, you're better off taking a li lo and bedding down on the floor. You can't sleep in the seats.

You're so right there, Russell. I have first hand experience of ferry 'sleeper' seats.

I've used most of the crossings to France including the tunnel to get down to the Charente. When we go back in April it will be the Newhaven Dieppe crossing which is about 4 hrs on LD lines. Having costed it all out with fuel,tolls and time we found this the best option. Mind we are taking two cars again, my 2cv and my wife's Fiat 500.. The drive down from Calais we have broken up with an overnight stop in Rouen which puts the cost up again, but this is with the 2cv whereas we've driven none stop in our other car. Which ever way you go enjoy our second home.

Thanks Banjo. I have looked at Newhaven-Dieppe but the route from Worcester isn't very direct. Got one last 13hr shift tomorrow before my holiday starts and I very nearly forgot to get some euros today, so I quickly drove round to Tesco and used their Bureau de Change before it closed at 6pm.

Jonathan, if you go via pompey do pop in!