Toulouse: “The number of complaints against urban rodeos has decreased”, says the elected official in charge of security
Urban rodeos are back. Emilion Esnault, deputy mayor in charge of security, takes stock of the phenomenon in Toulouse. Interview.
How do you fight against the phenomenon?
Mainly through the commitment of our motorized brigade which can intervene when circumstances permit, with maximum security. This year, we are using video thanks to the municipal police command centre. The perpetrators of road traffic offenses are now video verbalized. The city’s 480 cameras are available.
You work together with the national police…
We work hand in hand with them. We must have camera images available and our teams communicate regularly with the national police by radio. We are also at their side during operations against urban rodeo.
Have your actions intensified in recent months?
There is a very strong commitment from the national and municipal police, although we cannot always intercept the perpetrators of offences. The absence of accidents is our priority. Indeed, the subject is at the heart of our concerns. And the numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, the municipal police impounded 54 motors, including 25 motocross and two quads. There were also 32 administrative fixed assets. These figures have doubled compared to 2019. In 2022 itself, we are on the same trend of activities.
How many calls do you get complaining about street rodeos?
On average, AllĂ´ Toulouse (the town hall’s platform for reporting problems, editor’s note) receives four calls a day concerning urban rodeos. At their peak, officers received up to eight daily calls. If we compare the month of June 2021 to that of 2022, we note a drop in the number of calls on the subject of 40%. But we are acting with caution. The phenomenon is amplified in the summer. Unfortunately, with the beautiful days, the followers are out.