Frequent Ferry Crossings / Discounts

[Irbravo]

Hi all

I've bought a place in France and travel back and forth on the Ferry between Dover and Calais fairly regularly.

I looked last year at any discounts and decided none were applicable however P&O Ferries (Motorhome less than 7m and any height) have a bulk trip discount scheme for cars, motorbikes and motorhomes... but not for Vans!!

I have a 2017 T6 LWB DSG kombi that has side windows, bed, curtains etc so a day van really. Its got black wheels, roof bars, spoiler etc which also make it look a bit more camper like. It's my daily drive as a car, it's never used commercially.

My question is, has anyone bought a package and got away with it in a day van or do they check your registration document against the registration number and refuse it as N1 van?

I've travelled numerous times as a motorhome with Direct Ferries and never been questioned.

Any help or experience, especially with the P&O Scheme would be much appreciated, or any other freuent traveller discounts anyone might be aware of.

Thanks all

 

[Kind of Blue]

Good luck with your endeavours but my guess is that these days nearly everything is categorised and enforced by reg and a major operator like a ferry would very likely be connected to automatic vehicle numberplate recognition systems and flag up any discrepancy. Could it be considered fraud if someone where trying to claim something was what it is not to save money, I am sure it would be but there are always loopholes for those legally educated or in the know. Of course their is a political element small p, commercial vehicles are generally cheaper and have other benefits and pains and can get caught out with speed limits and occasionality end up paying fines while just keeping up with the traffic, too bad if they tot up and end up pulling someone licence. Supposedly commercials are expected to observe lower speed limits on account of safety though it is rare especially out here seeing any actually obeying or even giving any lip service to speed limits Why do people not convert Caravelle versions have few of the drawbacks except tax and costs up front. I believe that I read something that questions the Governments interpretations on the Law concerning vehicle registration and use. Perhaps that can be challenged in a block forget the term joint enterprise something or individually. The persistent and those capable of crossing all the t and dotting all the i may manage but most will end up with accepting their lot.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Just booked our van as we speak. Converted panel van, still N1 (this can’t be changed) booked on DFDS as a “Small motorhome” got 20% over 60’s discount.
Just book it, if the system allows the booking to go through, then you’re on a winner. Don’t look for problems that aren’t there.

 

[Irbravo]

Good luck with your endeavours but my guess is that these days nearly everything is categorised and enforced by reg and a major operator like a ferry would very likely be connected to automatic vehicle numberplate recognition systems and flag up any discrepancy. Could it be considered fraud if someone where trying to claim something was what it is not to save money, I am sure it would be but there are always loopholes for those legally educated or in the know. Of course their is a political element small p, commercial vehicles are generally cheaper and have other benefits and pains and can get caught out with speed limits and occasionality end up paying fines while just keeping up with the traffic, too bad if they tot up and end up pulling someone licence. Supposedly commercials are expected to observe lower speed limits on account of safety though it is rare especially out here seeing any actually obeying or even giving any lip service to speed limits Why do people not convert Caravelle versions have few of the drawbacks except tax and costs up front. I believe that I read something that questions the Governments interpretations on the Law concerning vehicle registration and use. Perhaps that can be challenged in a block forget the term joint enterprise something or individually. The persistent and those capable of crossing all the t and dotting all the i may manage but most will end up with accepting their lot.

Good points in here and very well put. Guess we all just want the best of both worlds!

 

[Irbravo]

Just booked our van as we speak. Converted panel van, still N1 (this can’t be changed) booked on DFDS as a “Small motorhome” got 20% over 60’s discount.
Just book it, if the system allows the booking to go through, then you’re on a winner. Don’t look for problems that aren’t there.

I've done the same many times. It'd the Multi trip package that would appeal to me as a frequent traveller, they have changed their rules as to 'car size lees than 1.85 and less than 5m' and dont do motorhomes/campervans or vans on that scheme.

P&O do motorhomes, but not Vans, having said that, you're probably right, if you can book it then why not?