Editorial photo #12965278 Social Issue
Protest Against A NGE Roads' Asphalt Plant For The A69 Highway In Villeneuve-Les-Lavaur
Some protesters stand near an NGE Roads' asphalt plant for the planned A69 highway near Villeneuve-Les-Lavaur. The banner reads 'Asphalt? To your good health!' The collective 'Collectif sans bitume' (i.e., 'Collective without asphalt') walks against the planned opening of a temporary asphalt plant for the A69 highway near the village of Villeneuve-Les-Lavaur. Inhabitants express concern about the environmental and sanitary impacts of this plant. Several studies show an increase in autoimmune diseases and cancers near asphalt plants. NGE Roads and the Tarn's Prefect state there will be no negative effects as NGE Roads will measure the pollutants emitted in the air and inform inhabitants if there is a problem with air quality. No measures are taken on the soil or vegetables. The main association 'La Voie est Libre' (i.e., 'The Way is Free') and other opponents want the construction of the highway to stop until all judicial decisions on the content are given. Opponents of this project say that the reprofiling of the N126 will suffice for the 6,000 vehicles planned per day and would cost far less money. The A69 highway costs EUR512 million (in 2018 euros without inflation) for 54 kilometers. In Toulouse, France, on November 8, 2025. (Photo by Alain Pitton/NurPhoto)
