03 Dec 2024 | 08:51 AM UTC
France: Unionized drivers to conduct demonstrations in Bordeaux and Lyon Dec. 3 /update 1
Unionized taxi drivers to protest in Bordeaux and Lyon, France, from Dec. 3. Transport disruptions likely.
Unionized vehicule de tourisme avec chauffeur (VTC) and taxi drivers plan to demonstrate, set roadblocks and execute go-slow processions through parts of Bordeaux and Lyon on Dec. 3.
In Bordeaux, participants will gather at Parc des Expositions at 08:00, departing at 08:30 for Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD) to block access, including trams and roads, until about 10:00. They will then proceed to Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to protest from 15:00 to 19:00. A related demonstration on Nov. 26 drew 200-250 participants. A similar number is likely Dec 3.
In Lyon, drivers will continue the protest activity that started Dec. 2, on Dec. 3. They are opposed to changes in payments for medical cases. Organizers plan go-slow protests in the city and roadblocks on key autoroutes and at junctions around the center. The strike and protests may continue in the coming days.
Movement of the vehicular column will periodically disrupt transport across Bordeaux and Lyon. Taxi services will likely experience disruptions throughout the day. Authorities will likely deploy along planned travel routes to facilitate the demonstration. Low-level confrontations between demonstrators, law enforcement officers, or frustrated travelers cannot be ruled out.
If traveling by car in Bordeaux or Lyon on Dec. 3 and in the coming days, exercise additional caution and allow additional travel time. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur.
