The Vinci Autoroutes district of Carcassonne monitors and manages 70 km of roads. To ensure motorists flawless security, the manager invests substantial resources. Among them, the patrol wear safety vest, handle all situations.
From Montpellier to the Spanish border, going back to Castelnaudary, it is 4 Vinci Autoroutes monitoring units which share nearly 277 km of motorways. Among them, the unity of Carcassonne based on the outskirts of Carcassonne West Highway. It manages approximately 70 kilometers. “The heart of our business is safety,” says Stephanie, communications manager and customer. Our patrollers are the eyes of the highway. “Olivier is one of the men in yellow.”For 20 years, since August 1, I joined the company,” says the patrol.
This profession requires vigilance at all times. Once coated with the timeless neon yellow reflective vest and safety shoes, we are in total immersion. “Step into my carriage!” Let’s go!
“I love my job, every day is different. What I like most is the relationship with motorists, “says patrolman. Every day, Olivier works 5:00 to 1:00 p.m. “We do not know the weekends.” Aboard his extravagant van, it carefully scans the lanes of the highway through his sunglasses. If a tire is present on the road, or a motorist on the emergency lane, Olivier contact by radio Narbonne command post, which will warn in real time all users. Indeed, on his right stands a radio that allows it to relay information. But also a VMS, variable messaging station that allows it to display on the top of his van messages for drivers.
In addition to monitoring of roads, Olivier stops at each rest area. It ensures that no fault is present on the premises, such as an abandoned car. Before leaving, he also inspects health.
Our round was peaceful, but when it comes to unusual events, Olivier knows a lot. “Is unusual things? I see every day! “He says. Before adding, “I have unfortunately seen accidents, but also fires, troubleshooting, and more. I do not know if it falls under unusual for me.” A tip for motorists from Olivier: “Prepare your trip well, this is the tip of the day!”
Traffic forecast
Highway Vinci expects strong traffic for the weekend. On the A61 in the direction of Toulouse: a peak attendance is expected between 16 hours and 18 hours on Friday and from 9:00 to 12:00 for Saturday. In the direction of Narbonne, the peak is expected on Friday, 16 hours to 20 hours, and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 12:00. Moreover, Sunday and Monday, crowds of peaks are expected in both directions. Users in reflective clothing are invited to download the free application Vinci Autoroutes, which allows knowing in real time the traffic situation, but also the journey time by performing estimate. For information and reporting, a number is available. Bonne route!