Operational Context
Farmers’ unions across the Cher department are planning concentrated blockades and slow-moving convoys on 24 November, mirroring previous nationwide agricultural protests observed through 2024 and 2025. Past actions on autoroutes such as A20, A64 and A62 have resulted in prolonged road closures, freight delays, and congestion on regional routes. Current mobilisation is centred on the A20 at Vierzon and multiple RN and departmental roads feeding into Bourges, with an anticipated action window from 06:00 to 20:00. Overall severity is assessed as medium due to expected traffic disruption, potential confrontations, and impact on logistics-dependent businesses across Centre-Val de Loire.
Executive Summary
- Event Date: 24 November 2025
- Location: Cher (Vierzon, Bourges), France
- Risk Category: Civil Disturbance
- Severity Level: 3 / 5
- Confidence Score: 75 %
A planned farmers’ mobilisation is forecast to produce significant delays on the A20 near Vierzon and restricted access to Bourges. Slow convoys, rolling blockades, and concentrations of tractors may impede freight and commuter flows. Disruption is expected throughout the day, with potential spill-over impacts on regional businesses, distribution centres, and transport networks.
Current Updates
Local reporting confirms coordinated actions on A20 slip roads at Vierzon and possible blockades around Bourges. Authorities warn of major traffic perturbations but have not announced formal long-duration closures. Rolling disruptions remain the most likely scenario.
Known Hotspots & Sensitive Zones
High Impact:
- A20 Vierzon interchange and adjacent service areas
- RN76 / RN151 approaches to Bourges
- Key roundabouts linking departmental roads
Medium Impact:
- Bourges urban perimeter and logistics hubs
- Secondary RN routes used for freight diversion
Low Impact:
- Peripheral rural roads with limited protest presence
Farmer mobilisations typically intensify during winter months due to subsidy negotiations and sectoral policy debates.
Impact on Transportation & Services
- Roads: Multi-hour delays on A20 (Vierzon Nord–Vierzon Sud), congestion on RN151 and RN76, slower access to Bourges.
- Public Transport: Regional buses may reduce frequency or reroute around blocked junctions.
- Freight & Logistics: Time-sensitive deliveries, perishable goods, and cold-chain operations likely to face rerouting or delays.
- Business Services: Possible absenteeism, disrupted meeting schedules, and delayed customer fulfilment.
- Comms/IT: Minimal technical impact; localized network strain possible in dense protest areas.
Recommended Action
Immediate Measures:
- Activate traffic-contingency plans; reroute all deliveries away from A20 and Bourges junctions.
- Authorize remote work for affected staff; ensure safe parking and staging points for field crews.
- Secure physical assets near protest points; restrict non-essential site visitors.
- Issue customer advisories with revised delivery times and provide alternatives such as split loads or temporary storage.
Strategic Measures:
- Maintain coordination with local police and transport authorities.
- Enhance supply chain resilience by pre-positioning inventory and validating alternate warehouse capacity.
- Record compliance steps for regulated goods during rerouting.
Multidimensional Impact
Broader domestic mobilisation requiring extended public-order policing could marginally influence national resource allocation, though the current Cher-focused action remains locally contained.
Emergency Contacts
- Police (Gendarmerie / Police Nationale): 17
- Fire & Rescue: 18
- Emergency Medical Services: 15
- European Emergency Number: 112
Situational Outlook
Rolling blockades and slow convoys causing daytime delays are expected as a baseline risk with normalisation overnight. A moderate escalation could lead to extended blockades on A20 and regional RN routes and significant freight disruption. A severe escalation leading to multi-day national mobilisation with sustained autoroute occupations and supply chain strain is unlikely.
Strategic Takeaway
Disruption in Cher is likely moderate but operationally significant for logistics-intensive sectors. Early communication, pre-emptive route planning, and flexible staffing will be essential. Organisations should adopt enhanced monitoring and utilise predictive tools such as MitKat’s Datasurfr to anticipate route pressures and maintain business continuity.
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