reportage
“We are living in hell”: in France, the discontent rises against the “dark stores”
Audio 01:15
A delivery man collects take-out orders from the common kitchens of the company Deliveroo in Aubervilliers near Paris on May 06, 2021. AFP - ALAIN JOCARD
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
In France, the explosion in the number of “dark stores” is making people cringe.
So, to regulate their development, the government is preparing a decree, especially since local residents denounce the nuisances caused by these spaces.
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In the space of an hour, twenty motorcycles take turns in a continuous ballet in front of this "dark store" of the Frichti brand, in Boulogne-Billancourt.
In this small warehouse where foodstuffs are stored, ready to be delivered, there are no customers.
No mention of the company on the facade.
But nuisance.
“
We are living in hell.
It's all night until no time.
They fight, make noise… It's horrible.
Me, I would like this place to disappear
, ”says Joël, a resident of the building opposite, exasperated.
Faced with growing discontent in major French cities, the government has decided to legislate on the establishment of “dark stores”.
While he planned to recognize them as businesses, the authorities backpedaled in the face of criticism: the “dark stores” will be considered as warehouses and their installation will be subject to the urban plan of each city.
" We must find a solution "
Sitting on his motorcycle, Antoine is waiting for an order.
This delivery man understands the anger of local residents, but puts it into perspective: “
When you live just opposite, I understand that it can be a problem.
We must find a solution.
Close them permanently, I find it a bit silly.
It does work and it still helps a lot of people
.”
For his part, the warehouse manager ensures that noise pollution is taken into account.
Anti-noise foam, electric motorcycles, bicycles... The efforts are there.
But beyond this problem, some elected officials accuse these warehouses of unfair competition with small traders.
With the future decree, the mayors will be able to close these establishments if they do not respect the rules.
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