France: Environmental activists staging roadblock protests in Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse, Nov. 18

Event

Environmental activists associated with the Last Renovation group are currently staging roadblock protests outside Paris, Toulouse, and Lyon, Nov. 18. Participants are demanding the government invest additional resources to renovate housing to be more environmentally friendly. In similar recent demonstrations, police typically clear the protestors in 30 minutes to one hour; however, further protests are likely in other locations. The roads currently affected are:

• Paris: A6 autoroute south of Paris

• Lyon: M7 central bypass

• Toulouse: "Peripherique" ring-road, near the Rangueil exit.

Additional police are deployed to monitor the actions. The protests and related security measures are prompting significant transport disruptions in the surrounding areas. The incidents are likely to pass off peacefully; however, police could resort to forceful methods to disperse activists and isolated scuffles with disgruntled motorists cannot be ruled out. Further protests are likely in the coming days, especially on weekdays at peak commuter hours.

Advice

Avoid the protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Do not attempt to pass through any roadblocks. Check for transport disruptions before beginning journeys and allow extra time for travel in affected areas.