In recent weeks, discontent has intensified in France after pension reform. It was strongly opposed by our fellow citizens, but it was imposed by the government, which is now facing a very serious challenge. So demonstrations and strikes have dominated the news for nearly a month, and everyone is worried. We especially think of the garbage collectors, as well as the oil refinery workers, so much so that many stations are out of stock. And it should continue.

Fuel, tolls, additional costs, trips to departure are overpriced.

We’re talking about it this morning @pascalperri on @LCI pic.twitter.com/9woqpmc22p

– La Matinale LCI (@LaMatinaleLCI) July 8, 2022

Not so free

Of course, these operations are not unanimous among motorists in need fuel go to work and keep moving. But another form of protest is much more popular: free rides. The principle is very simple, demonstrators open barriers to let everyone through without paying. Several operations of this type took place on the A4 and A31 motorways, as well as on the A13 and A1. On paper, this may sound like a lot of fun, but in practice, it’s not always a good plan, or even the opposite.

Appreciation?

Indeed, these operations represent a significant loss of revenue for the companies that manage the highways. And this is even if they are already making significant profits, to the detriment of motorists. Result, companies can raise prices tougher or go to court. After the “yellow vest” operations, the latter was paid up to 584,000 euros. An amount that is nothing more than public money financed by taxes.