A small road connecting small villages in southwest France has become a bone of contention that divides rather than connects the communities.
The road, which passes through the villages, has become a popular shortcut to the coast as a result of routes from GPS systems and Google Maps.
In Lartigue, population 41, some residents complained to the mayor that traffic noise was disturbing their sleep. Mayor Philippe Lamotte responded by posting a No-Entry sign on the road; he said it was necessary because traffic had increased tenfold and drivers were ignoring the 30km/h speed limit.
But, while stopping the short-cutters, it also barred entry to residents of the other villages nearby, and they have filed formal complaints, especially as they were not consulted. Their complaint includes asserting that issuing the order in December but not putting the sign up until May had canceled their two-month period for complaints.
The eventual ruling may also depend on the legal status of the road. Lamotte claims it is a Défense des Forêts contre l’incendie [forest fire defense] track, and therefore private. According to the mayor of nearby Giscos, it’s a municipal road.
