On site, the schedule is tightening. More than 10,000 winter tires are expected to be fitted in this garage before the end of December.
Yves Armand, branch manager in Gap, links this delay to the weather. He notes that after this mild weather, motorists are now getting equipped.
At a garage in Gap, in the Hautes-Alpes, customers are showing up for the same reason: to comply before winter.
The requirement returns every year in 34 departments. From November 1 to March 31, vehicles must be equipped with snow tires or chains.
Snow tires and all-season tires are not mandatory, but they are strongly recommended. A pair of snow socks or chains may be enough to comply.
Teams have been reinforced to absorb the flow. Between October and December, half of the annual business is at stake.
The mild weather of recent weeks has nonetheless delayed appointments. Fitting began later than usual, with a delay of about two weeks.
The season’s assessment remains the same: the weather delayed the fittings, but the winter period is underway and the slots are filling up.