The government once again authorizes certain carriers to operate on weekends

Europe 1 with AFP 11:16 a.m., February 3, 2024

After the blockages of numerous roads by farmers in recent days in France, the government has once again authorized certain road hauliers to travel exceptionally during the weekend, according to a decree published on Saturday. “This decree lifts, from Saturday February 3, 2024 to Monday February 5, 2024, the bans on the circulation of goods transport vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes,” indicates the text published in the Official Journal.

The renewal of this exceptional authorization, already granted by the government last weekend, must "allow the completion of transport operations started before Saturday February 3 at 10 p.m. as well as the return of road drivers whose transport operations have been disrupted by the traffic difficulties caused by the farmers' demonstrations", it is further specified.

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Journeys lengthened by 20% to 30% 

The blocking of dozens of highways by angry farmers across France has disrupted the transport of goods over the past two weeks. Trucks had to use national and departmental routes, leading to journeys lengthened by 20% to 30% depending on the carriers, an increase in diesel consumption, as well as overtime for drivers. In addition to the blockages, several trucks transporting foreign products were stopped and emptied.

The announcement on Thursday of a new series of measures aimed at farmers, after a first salvo at the end of January, however convinced the FNSEA and the Young Farmers (majority unions) to call for the lifting of the blockages. The Rural Coordination, the 2nd representative union, also “invited” its members to “suspend” the actions. Traffic resumed on Friday on several highways.