The operation on 16 July 2025
According to DREAL Normandie’s report, published on 21 July 2025, its transport control bureau carried out a targeted operation on 16 July 2025, in coordination with the national gendarmerie. The checks concerned compliance with dangerous goods restrictions at the Grand-Mare tunnel on the RN28 in Rouen.
Four vehicles were intercepted, and two were carrying dangerous goods. This page records that historical enforcement operation; it is not a current traffic bulletin.
What DREAL recorded
- 14 offences were recorded: one délit and 13 contraventions, using the French legal categories.
- 12 offences concerned dangerous goods transport.
- A €4,500 security deposit, described as a consignation, was collected from the non-resident carrier.
The deposit is not presented here as a final fine. The official press release does not identify the substances carried; no chemical-specific transport conclusions can be drawn from these figures.
The tunnel category and a current journey
The CETU list of tunnel dangerous goods regimes, 2026 edition, records Grand-Mare on the RN28 in Rouen as category E, with DIR Nord-Ouest as operator. CETU warns that the list’s information is not guaranteed and refers users to the relevant orders when preparing routes.
For a proposed journey, check the current local order, road signs and operator information, including temporary restrictions. A category listed for this tunnel cannot establish the arrangements at another tunnel or in another country.
Review the load as well as the road
ADR 2025, section 1.9.5 and chapter 8.6, provide the framework for tunnel restrictions. Distinguish the category assigned to the tunnel from the restriction code associated with the dangerous goods. Assess the actual load, method of carriage and applicable conditions together; a tunnel category alone does not determine every consignment’s position.
Use the UNECE country information and competent authority notifications alongside local sources for each country crossed. Keep the proposed itinerary, current transport document, classification evidence, quantities and containment details available for review. Any exemption needs its own applicable conditions checked.
Keep route questions visible before carriage
Ask the transport planner to record which official sources were checked and when, and to resolve uncertain access conditions before confirming the route. Navigation software should not be the sole evidence that a dangerous goods journey is permitted.
DGSA advisory services can support a review of the transport requirements. Contact DGSA with the proposed countries, route and consignment details.