We warned that France was a tinderbox just waiting to be ignited by its population that’s had its share of oppressive government regulation. Particularly in Paris where the hard left socialist regime has cracked down on moving traffic offences… writes Richard Town, member/supporter of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) in this opinion piece.
Five nights of rioting across France in July 2023 followed police shooting dead of 17 a year-old boy of Algerian decent, Nahel Merzouk, who’d refused to stop a Mercedes he was driving when speeding in a bus lane in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. Protests were triggered as over 1,350 cars were set on fire, and 1,311 people arrested. 234 buildings were set alight.
https://techsceptics.org.uk/fdm/london/gltn3-6b.pdf page 9
After nearly a decade in power, France is being pushed towards the fiscal brink: ballooning debt, high inflation and a sluggish economy. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested in the recent riots, with close to 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, seven seriously.
Masked groups set fires, attacked public buildings and looted stores across France. One protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Paris. In the town of Limoges, the 19th century city hall was largely destroyed by a blaze.
In UK, Britons too have had enough. The Police report, posted verbatim in GLTN, of a Bladerunner protester receiving a 15-year jail term for blowing up a uLez camera in Bexley showing frustration at the increase in State power, barely received a mention in our national media.
Despite the sentence being more than most child sex offenders get from the courts.
The oppressive one party State, termed the Uniparty, is on its knees failing to keep our borders secure instead increasing the tax burden on hard-working drivers with a projected increase in fuel duty: the temporary 5p fuel duty cut will not be reduced or phased out on December 1, 2026, as the Chancellor announced in the Budget 2026: The 5p Fuel Duty Cut Stays Until July. But then what?
Lord Khan of Tooting, chairperson of Transport for London recently increased Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel tolls – since April last year some £400 million has been taken from London motorists in tolls and fines – for having the temerity to drive through a Blackwall Tunnel that’s already been paid for by London council taxpayers several times over.
The cumulative effect has been seen at the ballot box. In Labour’s inner London heartlands the Green Party is taking council power away from traditional Labour with its support of Gaza’s rallying cry of “from the river to the sea”. In outer London the goose-stepping right is marching into town halls promising better governance.
At some point, the ballot box will be ignored. Just like in France.
ENDS
Author Richard Town is a former GLC councillor and metropolitan police driver. He writes here as a member/supporter of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
The UK has over 37 million drivers – that is a majority; we should stop tolerating the way we are treated by the government and local councils.
Cars, vans and taxis account for 80% of the mileage of all trips in the UK, and over 65% of goods being carried by road. The road network, and the people who use it, are of vital importance to the nation’s economy. Drivers should expect the road network to be improved and maintained to a standard that is fit for purpose. They should be able to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner without being subject to unreasonable charges, restrictions or penalties.
