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Lorry drivers join protests against fuel prices, blocking motorway toll in south of France
Some 50 lorries are involved in the ‘go-slow’ demonstration
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Lorry drivers and other transport workers in southern France are conducting a ‘go-slow’ operation to block a motorway toll in protest against rising fuel prices.
A convoy of some 50 lorries set off from Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône) at 7:15 this morning (October 12), travelling towards the Lançon-Provence toll at a speed of 5km/h (3mph) and blocking two lanes of traffic.
A second group of vehicles left Châteaurenard, heading along the A7 to the same destination, said regional media ICI Provence.
At around 8:45, morning commuters could see an extra 40 minutes added to their journey between Vitrolles and Lançon-Provence, and an extra 20 minutes between Châteaurenard and Lançon-Provence.
The demonstrators plan to block the motorway toll but will allow emergency service vehicles to pass through.
Rising fuel prices are ‘no longer acceptable’
The Collectif des Routiers du Sud de la France (CRSF) launched the call to action via TikTok.
“Whether a small business, a major haulier, an independent driver or a courier, everyone can play their part in this movement. Join us,” said the CRSF.
“There is widespread frustration, our businesses are under threat, and it is time for our demands to be heard,” it added.
Rallies began at 6:30 in both Vitrolles and Châteaurenard.
Transport workers including delivery drivers, hauliers, ambulance crews and taxi drivers gathered with banners reading: “Diesel at 2.25 euros is no longer acceptable” and “The State wants to kill off small hauliers.”
Today, it costs €2,500 to fill a lorry, up from €1,600 euros just a few months ago, one protester told ICI Provence.
This action comes after farmers in the south-west of France attempted a ‘go-slow’ operation to block an oil depot and roads into Toulouse on Friday (October 9). This demonstration was however broken up by police officers.
Staff at TotalEnergies refineries and some service stations across France also went on strike on October 8.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on October 7 the release of 10 million barrels of diesel into France across a three-month period, which should cut diesel prices by between 12c - 18c per litre.
