Truck drivers protest in Toulouse and Var: new action planned for Friday

Hundreds of truck drivers blocked roads in Toulouse and closed the A8 toll near Fréjus to foreign trucks on Wednesday as part of an ongoing protest over fuel prices. 

With more protests planned for later in the week in other parts of France, around 100 trucks descended on Toulouse (Haute-Garonne) Wednesday morning, driving slowly around the city’s ring road and major streets before making their way to the Empalot area. 

The A8 toll at Fréjus (Var) protests saw around 50 trucks restrict traffic in the area early in the morning, and block foreign trucks from passing through the toll towards Nice.

Both protests are set to end in the afternoon.

The demonstrations are part of wider protests in the logistics sector, with the fuel aid offered by the government last week deemed insufficient. 

Logistics federations are seeking around €400 million in aid, covering all companies and equivalent to the support given following the outbreak of the 2022 war in Ukraine.

In comparison the government aid offered last week was limited to small companies and covered around €50 million of expenses, alongside cash flow loans and delayed – but not cancelled – payment of social security contributions.

As of Wednesday April 1, the government is yet to offer further concessions, but talks are reportedly taking place with sector leaders.

Further protests expected…

In both Toulouse and the Var, demonstration leaders hinted at further action in the coming weeks. 

Leaders of the Organisation des Transporteurs Routiers Européens (OTRE) will meet with the Occitanie prefect in Toulouse on Friday (April 3) to discuss the issues facing the logistics sector. 

It comes after protesters in Paris on Monday (March 30) had a meeting with Île-de-France prefect Marc Guillaume, which reportedly went well. 

However, while prefects may be able to put pressure on the government, it is up to the cabinet whether further aid is given.

So far, the OTRE has confirmed protest action on Friday in Besançon (Doubs).

Regional branches are largely free to decide on their own action, with demonstrations determined at this level.

However, the idea of several columns heading to Paris – similar to the recent farmer protests – has been discussed. 

…But talks take place with government

A protest scheduled in Rennes today was cancelled, with regional OTRE leader Bruno Théaud explaining unions were in communication with Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot over increased aid. 

“We are asking for €1,500 in aid per vehicle for one month," said Mr Théaud, adding that the meetings “are making progress on an aid package for heavy goods vehicles, light commercial vehicles, coaches, and ambulances.” 

Further information may be available towards the end of the day.

Protests in the south of France today also included the Fédération nationale des transports routiers, another logistics sector group.

An agreement between sector leaders and the government over aid would see demonstrations come to an end.