Difficulties in accessing the toilets, washing, eating ... The memory of the first trying weeks of confinement is still significant among transport professionals.
This time, the new sanitary measures seem to follow the lessons of spring.
Service stations can in fact remain open to provide access to showers, toilets and take-out meals.
"
The concerns are present but it is out of proportion with the avalanche of emails and calls in March
", observes Alexis Degouy, general delegate of the Union of transport and logistics companies of France (Union-TLF) .
"Business
leaders tell us that they are very worried,"
confirms Jean-Marc Rivera, general delegate of the Organization of Road Transport SMEs (OTRE)
.
We asked the Ministry of Transport for guarantees on the working conditions of drivers on non-licensed networks (non-motorway,
editor's note
)
”.
Read also: Covid-19 crisis: these sectors that are doing more or less well
“
Legitimate
”
fears
, continues the delegate general.
“
The first 15 days of the first confinement were hell.
Everything had closed, including the gas stations.
Some truck drivers traveled 800km without access to sanitary facilities and without eating,
”he recalls.
“
It was impossible to wash and access a toilet.
I was defecating in the woods.
I spent four days without washing,
”says Jean-Pierre, truck driver.
However, this Friday, the first day of confinement, "
it was very complicated to access the showers and to have lunch
", testifies Fabrice, also a truck driver.
"
Apparently things should fall into place on Monday,
" he understands.
For the reopening of "restoroutes"
If gas stations remain open, restaurants will have to close their doors or serve take-out meals.
“
These establishments should remain open to allow truck drivers to exercise their profession in a decent manner.
In addition, this time, the weather conditions will not be favorable for dining outside or in your truck,
”argues the National Road Transport Federation (FNTR).
“
We adapt with take-out meals.
But keeping the motorways would be a minimum.
In general, we nibble at noon for lack of time and dine in the evening.
It's our moment of relaxation,
”says Jean-Pierre.
Especially since some restaurants also offer access to showers.
In Barbentane, in the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Escapade will serve hot meals for lunch and dinner in its car park and, above all, will allow access to its showers.
“
During the first confinement, we served take-out meals at noon, after authorization, but we were forced to prohibit access to the toilets.
Humanly speaking, it was complicated for the drivers
”, say the restaurant managers who have set up a“
marked
”
path
to get to the toilets and showers at the entrance to the establishment.
“
Hydroalcoholic gel is available.
Only one person can enter at a time,
”specify the managers.
Read also: Reconfinement: should the French fear food shortages?
Initiatives hailed by several drivers but still too isolated to reassure them.
“
We are asked to drive, to restock, to deliver.
On the other hand, we don't eat, we don't wash
, ”deplores Fabrice.
“
Our job is essential and yet we are often forgotten,
” agrees Jean-Pierre.
"
The authorization of service stations is the sign of taking into account the previous difficulties
, tempers Alexis Degouy.
On the other hand, if the drivers have shown patience in the face of the unprecedented situation of the first confinement, this time the degree of acceptability of degraded working conditions will be close to zero
”.
