19 August 2002: You may still be thinking of belting off to Europe to find the sun that’s been missing so much in Ireland. Just remember that driving through a number of European countries can cast you substantial sums in tolls. And even more so if you are caught speeding.

By and large they’re worth it, as the motorways are invariable good and certainly can get you from A to southern B in the shortest time and least painful way.

France, Spain and Italy all provide pay-as-you go facilities with tolls. For example, Paris to Calais will cost 16.92 euros, Reims to Geneve 38.11 euros. In Switzerland you buy a sticker at the border that costs 40 Swiss Francs, while in Austria passes are 7.63 euros for 10 days or 21.8 euros for 2 months. They can be bought from service stations near the border.

Speed limits in France and Italy are 130kph (81mph) on dual carriageways and either 70kph (44mph) or 50kph (31mph) in built up areas. The rest of Europe tends to be 120kph (75mph) on dual carriageways and 50 or 60kph (31 or 38mph) in built up areas.

On the spot fines for speeding in France can cost you up to 400 euros.