How will Thursday’s strikes impact drivers in France?

Drivers should brace for possible travel chaos caused by this Thursday’s nationwide strike in France, and prepare for disruption on several possible fronts. 

Major disruption to the rail network, as well as local public transport services, is expected in relation to the November 5 strike, as unions call for workers across public- and private- sectors to walk out. 

Disruption to air travel is also forecast as air traffic controllers are covered by strike notices. 

In both cases, drivers heading to train stations or airports could face delays or cancellations.

However, there is also the risk of wider chaos on the roads.

The threat of unannounced strike action from farmers and logistics sector drivers looms, and could see a number of major motorways disrupted without prior warning. As of Tuesday, however, unions representing neither sector have announced plans to join Thursday’s action.

Outside of this, the inclusion of the gilets jaunes in Thursday’s protest could extend disruption from official marches and into more rural areas – including on roads. 

Roundabouts blocked, go-slow operations

Unions organising Thursday’s official demonstrations have urged protesters to remain peaceful and follow designated routes, and many gilets jaunes supporters have been encouraged to join these official cortèges. 

As a largely decentralised group of protesters however, some gilets jaunes organisers are also set to carry out their own demonstrations, which includes roundabout and road blockades. 

Roundabouts leading to motorways are typically at risk during demonstrations, as their blockade can have knock-on effects across long stretches of road and give protesters greater leverage. 

The exact location and level of disruption from these offshoot demonstrations cannot be known until Thursday, but there is an indication that hundreds of non-union-affiliated actions are being organised. 

There is no official website for all gilets jaunes events planned for Thursday, but the largest unofficial map shows 413 events organised as of Wednesday morning, including eight roundabout and three service station blockades. 

The map is participatory, and anyone can add an event – this means some protests listed may not come to fruition, or surprise events not listed here may be conducted. 

Advice for drivers 

Although rural areas are at risk, it is mainly larger towns and cities that are set to see demonstrations.

If you are heading towards a large city on Thursday, check if any demonstrations are planned, and the expected route, so you can avoid driving nearby or risk the roads you want to use being blocked. 

Roads near protest meeting points or routes are also often closed to minimise the risk of accident or violence.

Areas around train stations could be particularly busy due to rail strikes, and should be avoided by drivers. 

Motorways heading to larger cities or major airports, particularly around Paris, could also see disruption, and should be avoided unless necessary for your route. 

Advice for drivers across France includes:

• Fill up your vehicle with fuel prior to November 5, in case protesters block supply depots or service stations

• Do not park in major squares or along routes used by protesters, and if possible keep your vehicle away from cities

• Adapt routes to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place or expected to take place

• Check real-time traffic updates before leaving, to see if your route is affected 

• If caught in a go-slow (escargot) operation, remain calm and follow road rules. Do not attempt to break out of it and follow information given by law enforcement or protest organisers