The police on motorways are not normal
I come here 4-5 times per year and have never seen them at toll booths before.
And when I say armed I don't mean side arms ( pistols) I mean big rifles...and flak jackets
Been in France a few days now.
All motorway toll booths have armed police and fast looking undercover cars
Parked with 4 tough looking guys in each.
Arras today also had armed police in the market square