The municipal police conducted checks this Wednesday on the Promenade des Anglais concerning “utility” vehicles.
Heading this operation was Jean-Michel Assoune, head of the municipal police motorcycle brigade.
What is the purpose of this operation?
The purpose is to fine “utility” vehicles which, let us remember, have been banned on the Promenade des Anglais since the 1960s.
We realized that the regulations are very rarely respected, so we have been conducting these operations randomly for 2 to 3 years and even before, but in recent months the checks have become more frequent and more organized.
How many people did you fine this morning?
For this operation on the north lane of the Promenade des Anglais from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, we fined about twenty utility vehicles, to which we must add a few sound checks on two-wheelers.
What is the amount of the fine?
It is an infraction for non-compliance with the signage, so a fine of €22. All are fined unless they have a delivery note, but even in that case, they must take the shortest route to minimize their presence on the promenade.
What are the reactions of the offenders?
Strangely, most know the legislation, 90% of them; they take the promenade to save time. The only ones surprised are individuals renting a van, since, let us remember, only a B license is necessary to rent this type of vehicle.
The reactions, if I may say, are typical, with some people getting angry and others not…
Do you know why this ban exists?
Honestly, I have been asked this question before, and I do not know exactly. It might be for aesthetic reasons, as a vehicle of this type is not necessarily pleasing on the beautiful Promenade des Anglais, but it’s also a traffic issue; imagine several vans stopped in front of a hotel, it would create enormous disruption to traffic flow.
