“We are here to protest against the increase in diesel prices,” responds Pierre Millo, head of the transport company of the same name and spokesperson for the FNTR union. There is strong mobilization for this demonstration, which, according to Pierre Millo, did not want to block access for drivers but simply make them aware of the current situation.
“It is a sort of filter barrier. We have distributed leaflets to the drivers to inform them of our demands.”
The transporters are also protesting against the rise in social charges. “They have become very significant! There is also unfair and fierce competition from Eastern countries. They provide the same effort at a lower cost. Which is normal for them, since the cost of fuel is significantly cheaper.”
Another demand is the desire for a bypass to replace the Nice bypass highway for heavy trucks. “It is not a true highway since it is constantly congested. It only has the name! Moreover, it is the only toll road access for trucks. The most expensive per kilometer in France.
A demonstration does not occur without the presence of police. “130 men were present on the ground. Among the staff were officers from the national police, municipal police, as well as about a dozen CRS,” specifies divisional commissioner Frédéric Peyran. “There were no problems to report because we had a good relationship with the protesters.”
